Marcus Pedersen
Rested after feeling unwell
Pedersen missed Sunday's win over Brazil due to coughing and fatigue but is not injured and should avoid an extended absence, according to coach Stale Solbakken "He is not sick. Everyone was in training, but he has been coughing and rasping a bit, and he has been a bit tired the last few days. But that is normal, and it is not a crisis", NRK reports.
Analysis: Pedersen was at risk of dropping to the bench even if available, with first-choice right-back Julian Ryerson recovering from a thigh issue and regaining the starting spot in the World Cup playoff match against Brazil. The Torino player will likely offer an alternative to Ryerson in the quarter-finals round, with Fredrik Aursnes also entering the rotation lately. Pedersen had scored once and posted one shot, five crosses and five clearances over 205 minutes of play before his absence.
Three crosses in win
Pedersen generated three crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 2-1 victory versus Cote D'ivoire.
Analysis: Pedersen sent in three crosses and created a chance during Tuesday's win. The defender did his duty well, but didn't really get as involved in the attack as one would have hoped. Pedersen will be forced to stay back more often against Brazil in the round of 16, as he will likely need to focus solely on defense against their high-flying wings.
Hits the net versus Senegal
Pedersen scored one goal to go with one shot (one on target), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 3-2 victory over Senegal.
Analysis: Pedersen played most of the game off the bench since Julian Ryerson got hurt early. He opened the scoring by being alert on a loose ball in the box and rifling it home, with some help from the opposing goalie, who had an imperfect save on his attempt. He hadn't played in the opener. He could get the nod versus France if his teammate is unavailable or limited.
Active on the wing versus Juventus
Pedersen registered eight crosses (three accurate), one tackle (one won) and one clearance and created two scoring chances in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Juventus.
Analysis: Pedersen had his best showing in a while, leading his club in deliveries, but he wasn't too accurate. He uncorked at least one cross in every game this season, averaging 5.4 (0.68) per contest. He scored once, assisted twice and notched 20 chances created, 15 crosses (three accurate) and 23 tackles in 29 displays (23 starts).
Scores winner off bench
Pedersen scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 2-1 victory over Sassuolo.
Analysis: Pedersen checked in during the 59th minute and wasted no time making his mark, needing just 11 minutes to deliver the go-ahead goal as he crashed the far post to meet Duvan Zapata's clipped cross and powered a header home in the 70th minute to put Torino up 2-1 for good. He wrapped up his 31-minute shift with two shots (one on target), and added a chance created. Pedersen had been a regular in the starting XI for Toro before dealing with back issues and now looks poised to regain that role down the stretch.
Will be back against Sassuolo
Pedersen (back) "isn't in tip-top shape but will bite the bullet to return Friday," coach Roberto D'Aversa stated.
Analysis: Pedersen has recuperated from a back issue that cost him the last two fixtures and will compete with Valentino Lazaro at right-back. He has swung in at least three crosses in his last four appearances, amassing 18 deliveries (two accurate), providing two assists and notching seven chances created, three tackles (one won) and two clearances during that stretch.
Sidelined for Udinese game
Pedersen (back) hasn't been called up for Saturday's clash with Udinese.
Analysis: Pedersen was on the wrong side of questionable and will skip the second contest on the trot because of back soreness. Valentino Lazaro is the only other right wing-back in the squad, but Alieu Njie and Luca Marianucci can adapt to the position in a pinch.
Late call for Udinese contest
Pedersen "isn't 100 percent and will be evaluated over the next couple of days," coach Roberto D'Aversa stated.
Analysis: Pedersen was a late scratch for the previous fixture and could remain on the mend. Valentino Lazaro returned to the starting lineup after a while in relief, while Alieu Njie played some minutes off the bench in the same position.
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