Experts on Right-Back Dilemma: 'A Clear Weakening'

Norway's national football team faces a significant challenge as experts widely agree that Julian Ryerson's absence from the upcoming Round of 16 match is a "clear weakening" of the squad. Ryerson, a key right-back, sustained an injury early in the match against Senegal and did not play against France.

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It is not possible to replace Ryerson.

Experts from VG and NRK expressed concern over Ryerson's unavailability. Ruben Gabrielsen, a VG national team expert, stated that Ryerson is "almost impossible to replace." Kristoffer Løkberg, an NRK expert, noted that he feared Ryerson's injury the most due to the "biggest gap in quality" on the team at his position. Petter Veland, another VG expert, suggested that beyond stars like Braut Haaland and Ødegaard, Ryerson might be one of the most crucial players.

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I said before the championship that the one I feared most getting injured was Ryerson, because the gap in quality is biggest on the team there.

Trond Johannessen, a VG national team commentator, found it "a bit strange" that Ryerson's absence isn't discussed more, suggesting it was overshadowed by the excitement following Holmgren Pedersen's goal. Ståle Solbakken, the national team manager, indicated that Ryerson is unlikely to be ready for the match against Ivory Coast.

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It is almost a bit strange that we are not talking even more about Ryerson being out.

While Marcus Holmgren Pedersen performed well as a substitute and Fredrik Aursnes also played capably at right-back against France, experts like Gabrielsen believe Holmgren Pedersen is stronger offensively but Ryerson surpasses him defensively. Gabrielsen noted Ryerson's 15 assists this season as a testament to his overall contribution, emphasizing that the team is "weakened" at right-back without him.

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It is a very big loss. I would assume that he is one of those Ståle puts up first when he is to pick the squad.