Mixed news for Norway

The experienced defender Marianne Paulsen has been forced to withdraw from Norway's FIFA Women's World Cup squad with a serious knee injury, just days after coach Åge Steen selected a 20-player party for the United States.

Riise recovery
Replacing Paulsen is the 25-year-old Karin Bredland, who has played just once for Norway. The news is a blow to Steen, who had been boosted by the remarkable recovery from injury of veteran midfield player Hege Riise. He feared the 34-year-old Riise would miss the tournament after damaging ligaments earlier this year, but she is now back in training. "It's s a miracle," said Steen. "She suffered a serious injury three months ago but is already back in training."

Super sub possibility
The coach continued: "She is doing everything she can to be as prepared as possible for the finals and it is looking very good. She is someone who can change a game in an instant and could be used as a super-sub as well." Goalkeeper Bente Nordby and striker Marianne Pettersen are also back in contention. Steen said: "Marianne is still a world-class player, she scored one goal and had one assist in the friendly against Nigeria and Bente always grows with the occasion."

Denmark up first
Norway will start their preparations for the World Cup finals with a training camp in Hankø by the Oslo Fjord from 4 September to 14 September, which will include a European qualifier against Denmark later today. Norway will face Brazil, France and the Korean Republic in Group B.

Norway squad
Nordby, Hjelmseth, Sandaune, Stangeland, Knudsen, Bredland, Tønnessen, Christensen, Følstad, Riise, Gulbrandsen, Lehn, Edner, Klaveness, Rønning, Rapp, Pettersen, Mellgren, Ørmen, Fosse Sæthre.