
Julian Ryerson
RB
Possession Builder
Nov 17, 1997 (28)
Right
6'0"
190 lb
No injury, just cramping
Ryerson (calf) was not seriously injured after being forced off during Norway's World Cup quarterfinal against England, with the issue attributed to cramping, according to Ruhr Nachrichten.
Analysis: Ryerson had already been managing discomfort in the area for some time, having been forced off early in Norway's group stage match against Senegal and subsequently missing two matches due to the recurring issue. Those same concerns had raised questions about his availability heading into the new season, with an initial expectation of around three weeks out pending further assessment. This latest scare, however, was confirmed as cramping rather than a fresh setback. Ryerson is expected to resume training with Dortmund in early August following the club's tour of Asia, after currently enjoying his post-World Cup vacation.
Out at least three weeks
Ryerson is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks due to a recurring injury issue, though the full extent of the problem remains unclear, according to BILD.
Analysis: Ryerson was forced off early during Norway's second World Cup group-stage match against Senegal and subsequently missed the following two contests. Team doctor Ole Sand had previously revealed that the defender had been managing discomfort in the affected area for some time and required rest during the tournament. Those issues have now resurfaced, raising concerns about his availability heading into the new season. While Ryerson is currently expected to miss around three weeks, further medical assessments will determine whether a longer absence is necessary.
Leaves with injury against England
Ryerson abandoned Saturday's quarter-finals clash with England while dealing with apparent calf discomfort.
Analysis: Ryerson logged an hour of play before getting hurt, but he was forced to leave his place on the field to Fredrik Aursnes. The Borussia Dortmund man has done a good job on the right flank, but his involvement has already been limited by muscular issues previously in the competition, making his status a major concern for the squad if they advance to subsequent rounds.
Logs 63 minutes against Brazil
Ryerson registered one cross (zero accurate) and two tackles in Sunday's 2-1 victory versus Brazil.
Analysis: Ryerson had a decent outing but wasn't very impressive in the decisive zone during his return to the starting lineup following a two-game injury absence. He was replaced by Fredrik Aursnes just after the first hour of play, when Norway had yet to concede a goal. Prior to his injury, Ryerson had also taken a few set pieces, though Martin Odegaard and Patrick Berg were preferred for corner-kick duties against Brazil. The offensive-minded right-back will look to see increased action in the upcoming quarter-finals stage.
Makes starting XI
Ryerson (thigh) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Brazil.
Analysis: Ryerson is back in the team sheet and ready to play from the start, as he has been listed in the starting XI. This is a major return for the team as they gain back one of their better two-way defenders, giving the team the option to open up a bit more on the right side of the field. However, he could be in for a long day of defending on Sunday, having to deal with Vinicius Junior on his flank.
Should be available Sunday
Ryerson (thigh) has trained fully with Norway for the past two days and should be available for Sunday's round of 16 clash against Brazil, according to coach Stale Solbakken, per VG. "He has trained like the others for the last two days, though he has not had the same workload as the rest. He has been pain-free for two days."
Analysis: Ryerson missed Norway's last two matches after picking up a thigh injury early against Senegal, and his return to pain-free training is a significant positive sign ahead of a demanding assignment against Brazil. The final decision on whether he starts will depend on how he responds in the remaining sessions before kickoff.
Back in training but still a doubt
Ryerson (thigh) returned to full training with Norway ahead of their World Cup round-of-16 clash against Brazil, though his availability remains uncertain, according to NRK.
Analysis: Ryerson has missed Norway's last two matches after picking up a thigh injury early against Senegal, sitting out the wins over Ivory Coast and France, and the team doctor had placed his odds of being fit for Brazil at under 50 percent. Training on both Friday and Saturday is a positive sign against that backdrop, though it is unclear whether it comes in time to make him Norway's starting right back for Sunday's round of 16 clash. If he does start, he faces a demanding assignment to contain Vinicius Junior, one of the tournament's most dangerous wingers, a task that would only get harder if Ryerson isn't at full fitness.
Progressing ahead of Brazil clash
Ryerson (thigh) is improving day by day and is targeting a return for Sunday's round of 16 clash against Brazil, though he has not confirmed his likelihood of featuring, according to his own statement, per Avisenagder. "It's getting better day by day. I will do everything I can to be ready."
Analysis: Ryerson was forced off during Norway's second group stage match against Senegal and subsequently missed the fixtures against France and Ivory Coast, making his return one of the more closely watched fitness developments in the Norwegian camp heading into the knockout stage. His availability for Sunday will depend on how he responds to training over the coming days, with Marcus Pedersen or Fredrik Aursnes expected to start at right-back should he be unable to feature against Brazil.
Won't face Ivory Coast
Ryerson is out for Tuesday's match against the Ivory Coast, according to manager Stale Solbakken, per NRK. "He is out tomorrow."
Analysis: Ryerson was injured in the thigh against Senegal, and that will keep him out of the round of 32 and facing the Ivory Coast. The defender was able to do some training with teammates Monday before doing some more individual work, hopefully pushing to make it for the round of 16 if Norway qualify. That said, they will need to make a change to face the Ivory Coast, with either Marcus Pedersen or Fredrik Aursnes to start at right-back in Ryerson's place.
Does not train Sunday
Ryerson (thigh) did not train with the team Sunday ahead of the Round of 32 match vs Ivory Coast on Tuesday, per Adrian Richvoldsen of Nettavisen.
Analysis: Ryerson appears to be a major doubt for Tuesday's knockout match after once again missing full team training, leaving him with very little time to prove his fitness following the thigh injury he suffered against Senegal. With only two days remaining before kickoff, his chances of passing the necessary checks are slim, making it increasingly likely that Frederik Aursnes will start at right back in his place, just as he did against France during his earlier absence.
Ruled out against France
Ryerson is feeling better but will not be an option for the clash against France, according to Norway head coach Stale Solbakken via Aftenposten. "Yes, he is excluded. He has not gone home, we are keeping him here and hope he makes progress. He is feeling better today than yesterday. But he will not be around."
Analysis: Ryerson was forced off with an injury just 11 minutes into the game against Senegal, and he was later seen with an ice pack wrapped around the top of his thigh. No exact timeline has been given for his potential return, with the manager only expressing hope that he could be available for the round of 32, but he will definitely miss the game against France, a match expected to see significant rotation for Norway regardless.
Set for rest due to minor injury
Ryerson is not expected to be dealing with a serious injury and should be an option for the team, but will likely be rested to face France on Friday, according to Patrick Berger of Sky Sports.
Analysis: Ryerson was a worry for Norway after their great start to the tournament, but looks to now be dealing with only a minor injury, avoiding anything serious. This is major news for the team, as he has been a starter on the right side of the defense. However, he is unlikely to be risked against France as they try to avoid further injury, leaving Marcus Pedersen as a possible replacement at right-back.
Status for France game unclear
Ryerson (thigh) was substituted after just 13 minutes of Monday's 3-2 victory over Senegal, with coach Stale Solbakken confirming the decision to start him was a calculated gamble that did not pay off, according to VG. "He trained a little on and off. We had a conversation with him this morning, and then he wanted to try. He has played with such pain before, but it just got worse and worse, and then I just decided to take him out."
Analysis: Ryerson had been carrying a thigh issue since the match against Iraq and had already informed the coaching staff on Monday morning that he was struggling, prompting Marcus Pedersen to prepare for the possibility of starting. Norway's team doctor said it was too early to determine the full extent of the injury, leaving Ryerson's availability for the upcoming clash against France genuinely uncertain.
Subs off early against Senegal
Ryerson was forced to abandon Monday's clash against Senegal after suffering an injury in the opening minutes of the game.
Analysis: Ryerson had an active start to the match but lasted only 13 minutes on the pitch during the second group-stage game. Prior to the issue, the wide player had yet to leave the field during the competition and was one of Norway's main set-piece takers. He's now at risk of missing the next meeting with France, with Marcus Pedersen available to take his place. Still, the exact severity of the injury remains unclear.
Creates three chances in win
Ryerson registered nine crosses (four accurate) and four corners in Tuesday's 4-1 win versus Iraq.
Analysis: Ryerson handled the majority of Norway's set pieces and was a persistent threat with his overlapping runs and delivery from the right. He topped the team in crosses sent with nine and chances created with three, and remained solid defensively too, contributing four tackles (three won) and one clearance.
Right-back for Norway
Ryerson is expected to be the starting right-back for Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
Analysis: Ryerson is on the Norway side for the World Cup and will be a starter in most cases, set to serve at right-back. He will be a solid two-way player, not only a decent defender but showing solid playmaking from the flanks on his best days. He is coming off a season with 15 assists on 56 chances created and seven clean sheets in 26 starts (31 appearances) in Dortmund, although this is from a bit more attacking role than he will see with Norway. Either way, he will be a decent shout for a defensive pick, as his forward movement could see him with numerous crosses and chances created. He will also take some duties on corner kicks, although Martin Odegaard is more likely to be the main set-piece taker.
Assists once from 15 crosses
Ryerson assisted once to go with 15 crosses (seven accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-0 victory against Werder Bremen.
Analysis: Ryerson assisted Serhou Guirassy as he opened the scoring for Dortmund as they went on to win 2-0 against Werder Bremen. Ryerson picked up his 15th assist of the season, which has included three in his last four games. He attempted 15 or more crosses for the fifth time this season. With three corners he continued his run as Dormtmund's main set-piece taker.
Single assist in win
Ryerson assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), nine crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Friday's 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Analysis: Ryerson got in on the goalscoring fun during Friday's win, adding an assist while building a nice floor of some major volume. He took four corners and sent in nine crosses during the win. Ryerson's role on set-pieces keeps him in with some strong upside, and the solid attack around him means he can contribute in every match.
Assists with lone chance created
Ryerson had an assist with his lone chance created while taking an off target shot and crossing 10 times (two accurate) during Sunday's 4-0 win over Freiburg.
Analysis: Ryerson set up Ramy Bensebaini in the 31st minute assisting Dortmund's third goal while leading the team in crosses. The assist was the first since March 14th for the wing-back as he's combined for four chances created and 32 crosses over his last three appearances.
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