KFUM Oslo will be without two key players for their important Eliteserien clash against Sarpsborg 08 on Friday. Defender Ayoub Aleesami and midfielder Robin Rasch are both injured and are not expected back until 30 September.
The team's manager has confirmed Aleesami is struggling with a groin issue, while Rasch has a calf problem. Both were injured in training and will miss the match at Sarpsborg Stadion. KFUM Oslo are coming off an important 2-1 victory over Aalesund, a win that lifted them to 12th place in the table with 22 points. They have won two of their last five matches.
With Aleesami out, the defence will need to be reorganised. Fredrik Berglie and Herman Røsten are the most experienced options to form the core of a three-man back line alongside Bård Skaret. In midfield, Rasch's absence could provide an opportunity for either Martin Tangen Vinjor or Even Saunes to take on a larger role. The team played with a 3-4-3 system in the win over Aalesund, and a similar setup is expected.
KFUM Oslo have a mixed recent record with two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five. They beat Aalesund 2-1 last weekend with goals from Bilal Njie and Håkon Helland Hoseth. Before that, they lost 2-0 to Molde. Sarpsborg 08 sit in ninth place and have drawn three in a row, including a 1-1 draw with Fredrikstad last time out. The last meeting between the sides was in April, when KFUM Oslo won 1-0 at home at Intility Arena. A win now could bring KFUM Oslo closer to Sarpsborg in the table.
The attack will as usual rely on strikers Bilal Njie and Bjørn Martin Kristensen, who have both shown sharpness. Hoseth, who scored the winner against Aalesund, will also be a key figure. Goalkeeper Emil Ødegaard will need to be alert against a Sarpsborg attack that has scored consistently in the league. The match is on Friday 18 September at 19:00.
