Hugo Vetlesen (23) and Jørgen Strand Larsen (23) will not join the Norwegian squad for EC U21s.
NOT FOR EC U21s: Hugo Vetlesen and Jørgen Strand Larsen will not be joining the U21 squad for EC in
– We know that this could be a situation we have to face, and have been prepared for this to be the result, said national team manager Leif Gunnar Smerud on NFF’s pers conference.
Considerations for both club teams, club transfers and the player’s involvement in the Norwegian national team were among the reasons why the 23-year-old did not join. The decision was taken “after good dialogue with all parties involved”, said the press release.
The Smerud national team manager has led the U21 team to Norway’s first European Championship in 10 years. VG+ Sport and NRK streamed the championship, which started with Norway-Switzerland on Thursday 22 June.
– Jørgen and Hugo are players who both deserve to be at EC, and the type of players with qualities that will benefit the team – both on and off the pitch. Now this historic EC opportunity has been given to two other talented and exciting players, said Smerud.
Vålerenga forwards Seedy Jatta (20) and Joshua Kitolano (21) at Sparta Rotterdam will be the replacements.
Both Bodø/Glimts Vetlesen and Celta Vigo striker Strand Larsen are in the national team squad which will face Scotland and Cyprus over the next week.
Vetlesen recently associated with Ronny Deila’s new club, Club Brugge. The midfielder has three goals and three assists for league leaders Glimt so far this season.
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