Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jorgen Strand Larsen has withdrawn from international duty with Norway.
The 25-year-old has established himself as a key player at Molineux in his first season since arriving from Celta Vigo, initially on loan.
A total of nine goals and two assists have been contributed from 27 appearances in the Premier League, including a match-winning double against Southampton on Saturday.
Having ended a drought in front of goal that had lasted since the start of 2025, Larsen would have been looking forward to representing his country during the international break.
However, rather than feature in World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Israel, the frontman will instead remain in Wolverhampton.
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Larsen plays through pain
The Norwegian FA announced on Monday morning that Larsen would not be taking any risks with the injury during the aforementioned double-header.
Larsen is said to have played two games with the injury, first failing to make any impact during a 1-1 draw with Everton on March 8.
Nevertheless, his nation's FA have released a short statement to state that rest is the best course of action for Larsen.
It read: "X-rays have revealed fractures in Jorgen's hand. The injury needs rest, and that means that he unfortunately won't be ready for the international matches."
Even if Larsen had remained in the squad, he would have realistically started the above games on the substitutes' bench courtesy of the presence of Manchester City star Erling Haaland.
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A relief for Pereira?
With Matheus Cunha still serving a suspension for the next game with West Ham United on April 1, head coach Vitor Pereira will be relieved that Larsen is being rested by Norway.
Although Larsen has not always impressed in the final third, he is a necessary vocal point in Pereira's system, particularly when Cunha is absent.
His goals at the weekend gave Wolves a nine-point advantage over the chasing pack in the race to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Wolves are obligated to buy Larsen for €30m (£25.2m) at the end of the season.
Darren Plant
