Ada Hegerberg ruled out of Norway’s must-win 2023 World Cup clash with Philippines due to injury

Former world player of the year Ada Hegerberg has been ruled out of Norway’s must-win 2023 Women's World Cup clash with Philippines.

Norway are bottom of Group A and in danger of missing out on qualification for the knockout stages following a loss to New Zealand and draw with Switzerland.

A big win over Philippines should be enough to take them through, but it will have to be achieved without Hegerberg.

Hegerberg pulled out of the 0-0 draw with Switzerland after feeling discomfort in her groin, and has been receiving intensive medical treatment.

However, the problem has not cleared up and she will sit out the final group game on Sunday.

"We knew it could be a possibility," Norway manager Hege Riise said. "The medical staff have worked to see if this was possible. It turned out today that it was not.

"The rest of us have prepared as best we can for what we have to do and the group has handled it very well.

"We are continuing the rehabilitation with a view to getting Ada ready to play for the next match, if we continue in the tournament."

Should Norway pull off the win and reach the knockout stages, Hegerberg hopes to be fit to resume her tournament.

"There was too little time to make it to the match against the Philippines," Hegerberg said. "I have faith in the team and will continue to work to be ready for a possible round of 16 game."

Switzerland top Group A after two games with four points. New Zealand and Philippines are second and third respectively on three pints, with Norway bottom on one point.

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