West Ham’s next opponents Sheffield United are sweating on the availability of Norway international midfielder Sander Berge ahead of Sunday’s clash at Bramall Lane.
As reported by Yorkshire Live, the Norwegian health ministry is insisting all players who had been called up to international duty go into quarantine following a positive test for Galatasaray right-back Omar Elabdellaoui.
Berge’s national team were due to play Israel at home last Wednesday in a friendly before travelling to Romania and Austria for two UEFA Nations League matches, but all three fixtures have been postponed.
It remains to be seen whether an agreement can be forged between the player, club and the Norweigan authorities to allow him to return to the UK without the need to quarantine.
Should Berge be unavailable, it would come as a huge blow to Chris Wilder’s side and a major boost to David Moyes. The 22-year-old, who became the Blades’ then-record signing upon joining them in January, has been one of the better performers in a struggling team rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.
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Whilst Sheffield United may pose a threat with or without Berge, based on recent form, the energetic midfielder’s absence would leave a huge hole.
The midfield battle was likely to be hotly contested as the flourishing partnership of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek prepared to face up against Berge and John Lundstram. The Norwegian’s potential absence would likely mean a start for Oliver Norwood alongside Lundstram and Ben Osborn.
Meanwhile, the Hammers will be without Andriy Yarmolenko on Sunday who tested positive for Covid-19. Club captain Mark Noble is likely to be available but Moyes continues to await the return of Michail Antonio.
