Norway coach Solbakken on injuries before France World Cup clash

Norway’s head coach Ståle Solbakken confirmed that right‑back Julian Ryerson will miss the upcoming World Cup group‑final against France after sustaining a thigh injury against Senegal. The team’s only replacement so far, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, scored Norway’s opening goal in the Senegal match despite suffering a cramp that temporarily forced him off the pitch.

Solbakken said the squad is evaluating several options for the right‑back position, mentioning Ajer, Heggem, Langås and Aursnes as possibilities. He also addressed the recent death of French coach Didier Deschamps’ mother, expressing condolences and noting that assistant Guy Stéphan will lead France for the match.

The discussion also referenced FIFA’s new time‑management rules, which led to a brief one‑minute stoppage when Holmgren Pedersen was treated for his cramp, illustrating the tournament’s stricter enforcement of play‑time regulations.