Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen will now not be joining up with the Norway squad during the international break.
Strand Larsen has just enjoyed a very good weekend with Wolves, scoring a brace against Southampton in a huge 2-1 win.
Vitor Pereira’s side were not at their best. But it’s not about performances at this stage of the season, and completely about getting points on the board.
Wolves went nine points clear of the relegation zone with the win – and the situation is looking good. New data has suggested there’s only a 1.8% chance of Wolves slipping back into the relegation zone.
It was great to see Strand Larsen back amongst the goals for Wolves – but the striker has bene the subject of an announcement this morning by the Norwegian FA.
Jorgen Strand Larsen drops out of Norway squad
It has been announced this morning by the Norwegian FA via their official website that Wolves number nine Strand Larsen will not be joining up with the squad for the upcoming games against Moldova and Israel.
The reason is because of the player’s hand fracture.
Pereira said that Strand Larsen sustained the injury just before the game with Everton, but he still played against the Toffees. Pereira stated the injury was ‘very difficult’ for the striker to deal with.
Strand Larsen then, of course, played against Southampton.
But despite turning out for Wolves twice since fracturing his hand, Strand Larsen will now stay back at Compton and rest up.
The Norwegian FA have published a short verdict from national team doctor Ola Sand on their website saying: “X-rays have revealed fractures in Jørgen’s hand. The injury needs rest, and that means that he unfortunately won’t be ready for the international matches.”
Strand Larsen will be replaced in the squad by Erik Botheim of Malmo FF.
Strand Larsen deserves huge credit for playing with hand fracture
So Strand Larsen will now have a chance to recover properly which is good news for Wolves.
It has to be said, Strand Larsen does deserve credit for playing with this kind of injury as it cannot be easy or particularly comfortable.
It makes the fact he scored two goals against Southampton all the more impressive.
Pereira praised Strand Larsen after Saturday’s game for showing personality, which was good to hear given the criticism he has had from some.
It was good that he played – he could easily have turned around and told Pereira he did not want to risk any further damage.
Hopefully that injury will now have time to heal before the next game with West Ham United.