Norway striker Hegerberg to miss final group game

Ada Hegerberg pulled out of Norway's last match following the warm-up so did not feature against Switzerland

Inaugural Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg will miss Norway's pivotal Women's World Cup group game against the Philippines because of injury.

Hegerberg, 28, withdrew from Norway's last match following the warm-up after feeling "discomfort" in her groin.

The Lyon striker could return if they progress to the knockout stages.

• Go here for the latest Women's World Cup news

"We knew it could be a possibility," said manager Hege Riise. "The medical staff have worked to see if this was possible. It turned out today that it was not.

"The rest of us have prepared as best we can for what we have to do and the group has handled it very well.

"We are continuing the rehabilitation with a view to getting Ada ready to play for the next match, if we continue in the tournament."

To qualify for the last 16 Norway must beat the Philippines and hope either Switzerland or New Zealand win, and they manage a three-goal swing over the Swiss.

"There was too little time to make it to the match against the Philippines," added Hegerberg. "I have faith in the team and will continue to work to be ready for a possible round of 16 game."

• Oppenheimer interview special: Ali Plumb sits down for a chat with Cillian Murphy, Christopher Nolan and Robert Downey Jr.
• The latest stories from the Women's World Cup: World Football brings you post-match reactions and analyses