Norway’s star striker Ada Hegerberg will miss the national team’s crucial Women’s World Cup match against the Philippines due to injury, according to coach Hege Riise. Hegerberg, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, has not recovered from a groin injury that forced her to withdraw from the team’s previous match against Switzerland. Riise stated that Hegerberg is still working on her recovery and will not be ready for Sunday’s game.
Hegerberg had lined up for the national anthems before the match against Switzerland but had to return to the dressing room after feeling pain in her groin during the warm-up. Without her, Norway struggled to score goals and ended up with a goalless draw against Switzerland following their 1-0 defeat against New Zealand in the tournament’s opening game.
To have a chance of advancing to the knockout phase from Group A, Norway must defeat the Philippines in Auckland. If Switzerland beats New Zealand in the simultaneous match in Dunedin, a victory for Norway would be enough to secure their progression. However, any other outcome in the Switzerland vs. New Zealand game would leave Norway relying on goal difference.
Riise emphasized the importance of attacking in the upcoming match and expressed her belief that the team can perform better than their previous games. She also hinted that Caroline Graham Hansen could return to the starting lineup. Hansen had voiced her discontent after being dropped to the bench against Switzerland, leading to some tension within the Norwegian camp. However, Riise assured that the issue has been resolved and the team is focused on performing well in the next match.
Norway, the 1995 World Cup winners, will have to overcome their challenges without Hegerberg, but they remain determined to secure a victory against the Philippines and keep their hopes of advancing alive.
