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Norway have issued a clear update on the health of their squad ahead of the crucial World Cup quarter-final against England on Saturday.
Following rumors of an illness sweeping through the camp following their win over Brazil, the team doctor has clarified the situation. Meanwhile, both nations face the added challenge of severe thunderstorms and intense heat in Miami.
The doctor rejects rumors of troupe disease
Following reports of an illness affecting camp, Norway team doctor Ola Sand has dismissed concerns ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against England in Miami on Saturday. Speculation arose after manager Stale Solbakken discussed the health of players such as Marcus Pedersen and Jørgen Strand Larsen following their 2-1 win over Brazil.
However, Sand told the Norwegian Nettavisen that the squad is fully fit. “All players are healthy now,” Sand said. “Very little fuss, considering we’ve been close for almost six weeks. So amazing they believe in this [the sickness bug rumor]. We are in control.”
Solbakken explains recent health problems
The initial fear was sparked by Solbakken during his press conference after the game in New Jersey. The Norwegian manager detailed the physical toll of traveling thousands of miles across the United States. He explained that Strand Larsen was suffering from a fever, while Pedersen felt unwell in the morning when the match against Brazil took place.
Solbakken has given all the details about the situation: “We have really only had Jørgen, who has had a fever. But then there has been a bit of coughing and rasping evenly distributed. But there is air conditioning, planes, changing rooms and all that. We are over 50 people, so it would be strange if one or the other didn’t come.”
Thunderstorms and heat threaten the Miami event
In addition to the health of the Norwegian squad, both teams are preparing for extreme weather conditions during Saturday. Forecasts predict temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius in Miami, which presents a performance-inhibiting challenge. In addition, there is a risk of isolated thunderstorms which could disrupt the match.
Thomas Tuchel and the England squad are already familiar with weather complications, having experienced a delayed kick-off against Mexico in their 3-2 win due to lightning. England also dealt with heat during their 2-1 win over DR Congo. With Reece James and Jordan Henderson dealing with injuries, England will need to manage their fitness carefully against a Norway side heavily reliant on Erling Haaland.
What next for England and Norway?
As Saturday approaches, both nations face a demanding race to ensure their key players are fully fit for this historic World Cup quarter-final. England will aim to maintain their momentum under Tuchel and push closer to the trophy, while Norway will need to overcome any lingering travel fatigue to deliver another massive upset in Miami.
