Fredrik Aursnes in Norway’s World Cup plans if fit, says Solbakken | OneFootball

Fredrik Aursnes remains in Norway’s World Cup plans, provided nothing changes, despite missing this month’s friendlies. According to Glorioso 1904, head coach Stale Solbakken has indicated the Benfica midfielder will be in his squad if fit.

Aursnes was not selected to face the Netherlands on 27 March and Switzerland on 31 March, with a left thigh muscle injury ruling him out of the camp.

Solbakken said competition is intense across positions, that some players will be disappointed, and that the battle for places will continue until the final list is named. He added that Martin Odegaard and Aursnes are in reserve and, if nothing happens, both would be included for the World Cup.

The midfielder had signalled his readiness to return after two years away from the national team, and was named Benfica’s footballer of the year at the club’s gala.

Norway have qualified directly for the 2026 World Cup and will play in Group I against Senegal and France. Their third opponent will come from the intercontinental play-off, with Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname still in contention.

For Benfica this season Aursnes has played 43 matches, 22 in the Liga Portugal Betclic, 14 in the Champions League, four in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga and one in the Supertaça. Across 3,635 minutes he has four goals and eight assists, and is valued at 17 million euros.

Source: Glorioso 1904