Norway have played down concerns over a reported illness in the squad ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against England, with team doctor Ola Sand confirming every player is fit.
Norway have dismissed reports of a sickness bug affecting the squad ahead of Saturday's FIFA World Cup quarter-final against England, with team doctor Ola Sand insisting the entire group is healthy as preparations continue in Miami.
Speculation over the fitness of several Norwegian players emerged following the dramatic 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16, after head coach Ståle Solbakken revealed some members of the squad had been dealing with illness during the tournament.
However, Sand has moved quickly to reassure supporters that there is no health crisis within the camp.
"All players are healthy now," Sand told Norwegian outlet Nettavisen.
"Very little fuss considering that we have been close together for almost six weeks. So great that they believe this [the sickness bug rumour]. We are in control."
Image Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe rumours stemmed from Solbakken's post-match press conference after Norway's historic victory over Brazil, where he discussed the physical demands placed on his squad throughout the tournament.
The Norway manager revealed that striker Jørgen Strand Larsen had recently suffered from a fever, while Marcus Pedersen had felt unwell on the morning of the Brazil match.
Solbakken suggested the issues were hardly surprising given the demanding travel schedule across the United States and the daily challenges of tournament football.
"We've really only had Jorgen who has had a fever," Solbakken explained.
"But then there's been a bit of coughing and rasping evenly, scattered throughout. But there's air conditioning, flights, changing rooms and all that. We're over 50 people so it would be strange if one or the other didn't come."
With Sand now confirming the squad has recovered, Norway appear set to head into the quarter-final at full strength after producing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by eliminating five-time world champions Brazil.
Image Credit: ReutersWhile illness no longer appears to be a concern, both Norway and England must now prepare for demanding weather conditions in Miami.
Forecasts indicate temperatures could climb to around 35 degrees Celsius, with isolated thunderstorms also threatening to disrupt proceedings at the stadium.
England have already faced similar conditions in this World Cup. Their Round of 16 victory over Mexico was delayed because of lightning strikes, while high temperatures also tested Thomas Tuchel's side during their win over DR Congo.
Managing player workloads could therefore prove just as important as tactics when two of the tournament's in-form teams meet for a place in the semi-finals.
England are also monitoring the fitness of Reece James as he recovers from a hamstring injury, while Jordan Henderson continues to manage his own fitness concerns.
Norway, meanwhile, will hope a fully fit squad can build on the momentum generated by their famous victory over Brazil, with Erling Haaland arriving in Miami in outstanding form after his match-winning brace booked their place in the last eight.
With concerns over illness now firmly put to rest, the focus shifts entirely to whether Norway can produce another memorable performance against an England side equally determined to continue its World Cup journey.
