Bodo/Glimt, Tottenham`s opponents in the Europa League semi-finals, are facing a significant player crisis ahead of Thursday`s crucial first leg showdown.
The reigning Norwegian champions are already set to be without three players due to suspensions, including their influential captain, Patrick Berg.
Adding to their problems, they are now concerned about injuries to key centre-back Odin Bjortuft and winger Ole Blomberg.
The 26-year-old Bjortuft, a regular starter, had to leave the field early in the second half of Bodo`s 3-0 league victory against KFUM on Sunday because of a groin issue.
Bodo manager Kjetil Knutsen commented after the match: “I don`t have any information yet. I never like seeing a player go down, but the medical team is assessing the situation.”
Bjortuft is currently questionable for this week`s match in North London. Winger Blomberg is also a doubt, having missed the KFUM game entirely due to an injury sustained earlier this month.
Captain Berg, aged 27, is banned due to accumulating too many yellow cards. Midfielder Hakon Evjen and striker Andreas Helmersen are also serving suspensions.
Helmersen notably scored a vital goal in their quarter-final win against Italian powerhouse Lazio, which added to their series of impressive victories this season.
Knutsen`s team has already secured notable wins against Olympiacos, FC Twente, and Besiktas this season.
They also threatened potential final opponents Manchester United in November, taking a 2-1 lead at Old Trafford, before eventually losing 3-2 following two goals from Rasmus Hojlund.
Bodo`s domestic league season has just started, and they remain undefeated after four matches, having won three of them.
Tottenham`s season, and potentially the future of manager Ange Postecoglou, heavily relies on them progressing deep into the European competition.
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This is especially significant considering Tottenham`s difficult league campaign, marked by nineteen defeats, including a recent 5-1 thrashing at Anfield on Sunday that confirmed Liverpool as champions.
Although Postecoglou`s team has dealt with several key player injuries throughout the season, they approach the Bodo match with only the fitness of captain Son Heung-min causing concern.
The 32-year-old South Korean player has been absent for the past four matches due to a foot injury.
