Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt are battling a wave of illnesses within their squad ahead of their UEFA Champions League encounter against French club Lille OSC, raising concerns over the team’s fitness and preparations for the crucial fixture.

The illness, which has reportedly affected several players and members of the coaching staff, disrupted training sessions last week, with some footballers forced to stay away from the pitch as they struggled with flu-like symptoms.

According to reports from Norwegian media, as many as five different viruses have circulated within the club, leaving players dealing with fever, sore throats and other symptoms.

Defender Haitam Aleesami acknowledged the difficult situation, describing the previous week as particularly challenging for the team.

“Last week was a bit brutal. There were many who trained while sick. It seems most are on the road to recovery,” Aleesami said.

The defender added that seeing teammates struggle with illness while attempting to prepare for matches had been difficult, noting that the situation affected the team’s training schedule and preparations.

Knutsen Offers Encouraging Update

Bodø/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen has expressed cautious optimism over the situation, revealing that most of the affected players are gradually recovering.

Speaking ahead of the Champions League encounter, the coach said the squad appeared to have moved past the worst phase of the illness outbreak, although some players were still experiencing minor symptoms.

Knutsen also disclosed that he had been affected by the illness himself, making the situation more challenging for the coaching staff.

Despite the disruption, the Norwegian tactician insisted that the team would not use the situation as an excuse, stressing that preparations were focused on getting the available players ready for the encounter.

The club’s official website also reported that the squad’s energy levels were improving as players continued their recovery.

Patrick Berg, Sjøvold Managed Ahead of Lille Clash

Captain Patrick Berg and Fredrik Sjøvold were observed undertaking individual training sessions during Monday’s preparations, with the coaching staff managing their workloads following a demanding period.

Knutsen explained that the decision was primarily related to workload management rather than confirming that the players were unavailable due to illness.

The manager emphasised the importance of maintaining the squad’s physical condition amid a congested fixture schedule involving both domestic and European competitions.

Meanwhile, winger Ole Didrik Blomberg reportedly revealed that he had struggled with coronavirus during the period, further highlighting the extent of the health challenges within the team.

Glimt Seek Crucial Champions League Points

Bodø/Glimt will host Lille at Aspmyra Stadium as they seek to strengthen their position in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase.

The Norwegian side have recorded one victory and two defeats in their opening three matches, leaving them with three points as they pursue qualification for the knockout stages.

Their preparations have also been complicated by a demanding domestic schedule, including a 3-2 victory over Viking in the Norwegian Eliteserien.

Lille, meanwhile, arrive in Norway seeking to improve their European campaign after a difficult start to the competition, although their domestic performances have demonstrated their attacking quality.

Despite the illness concerns, Knutsen has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete, highlighting the importance of tactical discipline, energy management and squad depth.

The coach believes the team’s ability to adapt to difficult circumstances will be crucial as they continue their campaign on both domestic and European fronts.

With several players still recovering, the final team selection is expected to depend on their fitness assessments ahead of kickoff.