Norway manager Staale Solbakken has addressed a series of fitness concerns in his squad, including the Tuesday training absence of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard at Lillestrom, as his team prepare for Nations League matches against Wales at Ullevaal Stadium and Denmark in Copenhagen.
Haaland and Odegaard missing from key session
Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard were notable absentees from Norway's training session on Tuesday. When pressed on why his two most influential players were not involved in the session, Solbakken initially described the reasons as "small things."
He later expanded slightly on the secrecy surrounding his squad's health, suggesting that he is often criticised for being too transparent with the media, saying: "I am the coach who gets the most flak because I am far too open about this. It's not allowed, really. These are small things in terms of there being some minor knocks. But there is no reason not to believe that this will be very good."
Solbakken was reluctant to provide a detailed medical breakdown of the situation regarding his players' fitness, while Norway's coaching staff are managing the group carefully to avoid further setbacks.
Six or seven players absent at Lillestrom
Solbakken confirmed that as many as six or seven Norway players were unable to participate in the full session at Lillestrom's training ground, estimating that "21 to 22" members of the 23-man squad should be fit to feature by the weekend.
Leo Skiri Ostigard, Antonio Nusa, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Jorgen Strand Larsen and Kristoffer Ajer were among the Norway players missing from the grass on Tuesday. Solbakken said he remains confident that the majority of Norway's 23-man squad will be available for selection by the weekend, while admitting there is genuine doubt surrounding a couple of individuals.
Strand Larsen and unnamed player doubtful for Wales
Crystal Palace striker Jorgen Strand Larsen is scheduled for a medical check on Wednesday to determine his status for the Wales match, with Solbakken identifying him as one of the Norway players whose availability for the game is in doubt.
While Strand Larsen was named as a doubt, Solbakken remained intentionally vague about the identity of the second player facing a race against time, saying: "The other one we have to wait with," and declining to reveal that player's name.
Nyland-Selvik battle for number one remains private
Norway are also dealing with an unresolved battle for the number one goalkeeper jersey between Orjan Nyland and Egil Selvik. Solbakken said a plan is in place regarding which goalkeeper will start on Saturday but he has not yet shared the final decision with the players or the public.
When asked if he had informed the goalkeepers of his choice for the starting role, Solbakken replied "no," adding that he had not spoken to anyone about the selection yet.
He insisted that the decision-making process over Norway's starting goalkeeper remains a private matter between himself, the goalkeepers and coach Frode Grodas, and added of the goalkeepers: "It may well be that they know more than you do," Norway will face Wales in Oslo before travelling to Copenhagen to play Denmark.
