Solbakken Defends Resting Haaland and Ødegaard After France Defeat

Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has dismissed criticism regarding his tactical selections following a heavy defeat to France, insisting that resting Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard was a medical necessity. The manager faced significant scrutiny after the two Premier League stars were excluded from the starting lineup during the international fixture. Workload and Injury Prevention Solbakken cited the "extreme" physical toll on both players after a grueling domestic season in England. Haaland, who spearheaded Manchester City’s offensive line, and Ødegaard, the Arsenal captain, have combined for nearly 100 club appearances over the past year. The manager confirmed that the national team’s medical staff advised against their full involvement to mitigate the risk of soft-tissue injuries. “We have a clear responsibility to the players and their respective clubs,” Solbakken stated during the post-match briefing. He noted that the intensity of the Premier League title race left both individuals at high risk of muscular fatigue. Despite the margin of the defeat against the French side, the coaching staff maintained that protecting the long-term health of their primary assets…