Norway doctor gives update amid sickness fears ahead of England quarter-final

Norway’s team doctor has given a positive update on the squad’s health after rumours emerged that their camp had been hit with a bug.

England face the Scandinavians in their first-ever meeting at a World Cup on Saturday in Miami, Florida.

Getty

Erling Haaland stunned Brazil by netting a brace past Alisson to confirm his nation’s position in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

However, there have been concerns that the side suffered an illness breakout ahead of the fixture.

Cough cough

Norway manager Stale Solbakken alerted media to the situation when he said: “We’ve had a few players who haven’t been feeling well, but things are getting better. It’s not ideal during a tournament, but we’re managing the issue.”

He also admitted that Jorgen Strand Larsen had a fever and was hospitalised for two days with an illness prior to the tournament kicking off.

The manager suggested the demands of playing extra games and travelling between various cities across North America have contributed to the illness affecting several players, and also pointed blame towards air conditioning.

The European nation were originally based in North Carolina, and have since travelled across the United States to play their games in Boston, New York and Dallas.

The Norway boss was also spotted coughing violently while speaking during a press conference.

However, the team’s doctor Ola Sand has now moved to allay any fears, insisting the squad is ‘healthy and in control.’

She told Nettavisen: “All players are healthy now. Very little fuss considering that we have been close together for almost six weeks.

“So great that [English media] believe this. We are in control.”

Getty

Norway still have three days to fully prepare for their last-eight fixture against England.

They are already experiencing the most successful World Cup in their history, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.

England’s own concerns

England have also been experiencing their own issues with injuries throughout the tournament.

Jordan Henderson recently suffered a broken radius by jumping an advertising hoarding following the dramatic victory against Mexico.

Meanwhile, Reece James has been rested at right-back after feeling discomfort in his hamstring following the group stage win over Ghana.

Additionally, the Three Lions will also be without Jarell Quansah due to his suspension as a result of his red card against Mexico.

Both teams will be hoping to progress to face the winner of Argentina vs Switzerland.