Comeback for Bjørndalen with Norway

After several years of absence from the Norwegian national team, right back Ida Bjørndalen is in line for a comeback for her country at the EHF EURO 2012 in Serbia.

The 29 year old KIF Vejen player, who is currently the top scorer in the Danish league, was among the 16 names which Norwegian national coach Thorir Hergeirsson announced on Tuesday.

In a squad haunted by injuries to several key players, Bjørndalen will replace Tonje Nøstvold who only recently got back from the shoulder injury which kept her out of her club, Byaasen´s Champions League qualifiers back in September.

“Tonje Nøstvold has been part of our team in nine championships in succession, and she has been an important player to the team.

“However, considering her shoulder problems throughout the autumn, Bjørndalen is more suitable for what I want to add to the team,” Throrir Hergeirsson told the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet.

Another left-handed player, Amanda Kurtovic is also sidelined with a shoulder injury, as is line player Marit Malm Frafjord.

However, Hergeirsson believes that Frafjord will recover in time for the tournament and has taken a risk in nominating her.

The squad will have one last test before going to Serbia, as Norway is hosting the Møbelringen Golden League from November 23-25.



For more EHF EURO 2012 news go to www.ehf-euro.com

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The Norwegian squad for the EHF EURO 2012 tournament:

Goalkeepers:
Kartine Lunde Haraldsen (Györi Audi ETO)
Silje Solberg (Stabæk Håndball)

Line players:
Heidi Løke (Györi Audi ETO)
Marit Malm Frafjord (Viborg HK)

Left wingers:
Camilla Herrem (Byaasen Håndball Elite)
Line Grossé (Tertness HB Elite)

Back court players:
Kristine Lunde-Borgersen (Vipers Kristianssand)
Ida Alstad (Byaasen Håndball Elite)
Anja Edin (Larvik HK)
Stine Bredal Oftedal (Stabæk Håndball)
Karoline Dyhre Breivang (Larvik HK)
Karoline Næss (Stabæk Håndball)
Linn Jørum Sulland (Larvi HK)
Ida Bjørndalen (KIF Vejen)

Right wingers/back court players:
Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth Koren (Larvik HK)
Maja Jakobsen (Storhamar IL)