England's World Cup preparations have suffered a worrying setback after Declan Rice was struck down by illness just days before Saturday night's quarter-final showdown with Norway.
The Arsenal midfielder, who has already been managing hamstring and lower back complaints throughout the tournament, has now missed training for a second consecutive day after falling ill.
England's medical staff have acted swiftly to prevent the sickness spreading through the squad, with Rice separated from the rest of Thomas Tuchel's players as a precautionary measure.
Despite the concern, officials remain optimistic the illness has been contained and are hopeful Rice will recover in time for the crucial last-eight clash in Miami.
The timing could hardly be worse for Tuchel, whose squad has already been stretched by injuries and suspension during England's dramatic run to the quarter-finals.
Ironically, Norway are also battling illness problems of their own ahead of the blockbuster encounter.
Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland confirmed several members of the Scandinavian squad have been affected, admitting the team's medical staff have been working overtime to keep players fit.
"I can confirm that it's true. We've had our issues," Nyland revealed.
"We're doing the best that we can and the team doctor is very busy at the moment.
"I don't have any clue. We have had some time off so maybe someone contracted anything during the time off.
"Hopefully everything goes well and we face England with a fully rested squad on Saturday."
Norway's preparations have been disrupted throughout the tournament, with Crystal Palace striker Jorgen Strand Larsen and defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen both previously sidelined by illness.
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Manager Stale Solbakken also appeared under the weather after his side's defeat to France, repeatedly coughing during his post-match media duties.
"We've really only had Jorgen who has had a fever," Solbakken explained.
"But then there's been a bit of coughing and rasping evenly, scattered throughout.
"But there's air conditioning, flights, changing rooms and all that. We're over 50 people so it would be strange if one or the other didn't come."
The Norwegians have endured an exhausting travel schedule since arriving in North America, flying between Boston, New Jersey, Dallas and back again during the group stage and knockout rounds.
England, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after edging Mexico 3-2 in a pulsating last-16 contest at the Azteca Stadium.
Jude Bellingham fired Tuchel's side into a two-goal lead before Mexico threatened an unlikely comeback.
Despite being reduced to 10 men following Jarell Quansah's dismissal, Harry Kane's penalty ultimately proved decisive as England sealed a memorable victory.
Confidence is high going into the high-stakes clash.
And England defender Nico O'Reilly believes the Three Lions' experience of playing in big games can work in their favour.
“We have a lot of players who have been in situations like these, in quarter-finals before," he said.
“A lot of experienced and older players. Of course, they help us out.
"They give us advice, tell us to stay calm, and just help us wherever they can.”
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