Norway's World Cup quarter-final clash against England on Saturday is being affected by a sickness bug within the squad, according to goalkeeper Orjan Nyland. Nyland confirmed that the team doctor is "very busy" dealing with the outbreak.
Reports indicate that two Norwegian players have already missed matches due to illness. Manager Solbakken has also been observed coughing during press conferences. "I can confirm that it's true. We've had our issues," Nyland stated. "We're doing the best that we can and the team doctor is very busy at the moment."
Nyland suggested the illness may have been contracted during time off. "I don't have any clue. We have had some time off so maybe someone contracted anything during the time off. Hopefully everything goes well and we face England with a fully rested squad on Saturday."
The team's extensive travel since arriving in North America, beginning in Boston, moving to New Jersey, back to Boston, then Dallas, and finally playing their Round of 16 match in New Jersey again, may have contributed to the squad's fatigue and susceptibility to illness. Norwegian outlet Dagbladet reported that the extensive travel has taken its toll.
Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen missed Norway's opening game of the tournament with illness, while Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was absent for the match against Brazil. Manager Solbakken acknowledged "a bit of coughing and rasping evenly, scattered throughout," attributing it to factors like air conditioning, flights, and changing rooms.
Norway secured their spot in the quarter-finals by defeating Brazil 2-1. The team has never advanced past the group stages of a major tournament prior to this event.
England, meanwhile, is coming off a 3-2 victory against Mexico. Goals from Jude Bellingham and a penalty from Harry Kane secured the win, though England's Jarell Quansah was sent off, and Jordan Henderson is expected to miss the Norway game due to a broken wrist. The availability of Reece James is also uncertain due to a knock.
The quarter-final match is scheduled for Saturday at 10 p.m. UK time in Miami, Florida.