Team doctor downplays illness concerns in Norwegian squad

The Norwegian national football team has experienced some illness among its players during their extended stay in the USA for the World Cup. While reports and player comments have suggested widespread sickness, the team doctor insists the situation is under control.

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I can confirm that it is true. We have had our problems. The team doctor is very busy.

Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland even joked about the rumors on a talk show, confirming some issues but downplaying their severity. Players like Jørgen Strand Larsen and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen have been affected, with Larsen describing being bedridden for two days. Coach Ståle Solbakken has also experienced a cough, as has assistant coach Kent Bergersen and manual therapist Thomas Ødegaard, who traveled with a mask.

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I had been in bed for two days straight and was really sick.

Team doctor Ola Sand clarified that only Thomas Ødegaard has had symptoms beyond mild, scattered coughs and sore throats. He explained that players with fever or cough are isolated and receive food delivery to their rooms. Sand emphasized that this protocol has been in place for years. The team has been together for over five weeks, and Sand believes the mild symptoms are likely due to the combination of travel, air conditioning, and the sheer number of people in the squad.

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No disease cases outside of Thomas. Everyone perceived as contagious keeps their distance and wears a mask during travel.

Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was sent home from a stadium before a match due to illness, which Solbakken speculated might be due to the player's youth, the overwhelming experience of the World Cup, and the physical and mental strain. However, both the coach and doctor are not overly concerned about the spread of infection, with Sand confident in his management of the situation.

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With fever/cough and similar, they are isolated in the room and receive their food there. We have done this for all these years.