Viking decimated by injuries: Reinforcement arrives ahead of Dinamo clash
Norwegian club left without almost entire defense and several key attacking players, prompting urgent move to bring in a center-back on loan.
Norwegian club left without almost entire defense and several key attacking players, prompting urgent move to bring in a center-back on loan.
Norwegian side Viking, a potential opponent for Dinamo in the playoffs, is facing a serious squad crisis ahead of a possible clash with the Blues. Due to a wave of injuries, particularly in the defensive line, the club has reacted swiftly in the transfer market and secured a reinforcement.
Viking have announced the arrival of 26-year-old center-back Jesper Daland, who joins on loan from Cardiff City until the end of 2026. Sporting director Erik Nevland did not hide his satisfaction at securing the experienced defender.
"Jesper is a strong and robust center-back with good skills and experience playing at a high level. We believe he will fit in well, and we are delighted he has arrived," Nevland told Tportal.
Daland's arrival is a necessary move as coach Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim has been left without almost his entire starting defensive line in the last ten days.
The problems began when Norwegian international Henrik Falchener, the team's second most expensive player, got injured in the 2-1 win against Sandefjord and had to leave the pitch at halftime. The situation worsened when Dane Anders Baertelsen broke his foot in training, while Martin Ove Roseth is still recovering from a knee injury.
All three play as center-backs, leaving Viking with a huge hole in defense. However, that is not the end of the troubles for the Norwegian club.
In addition to defensive issues, Viking are also weakened up front. Forwards Veton Berisha and Nick D'Agostino are also out, as is Joe Bell, the defensive midfielder and the most expensive player in the midfield line.
The arrival of Daland is an attempt to at least partially patch the holes in the squad, but it is clear that Viking will be far from their ideal lineup in a potential clash with Dinamo.
The Blues, of course, will first have to confirm their passage against Kauno Žalgiris, but if they do, they will face a team currently dealing with major injury problems in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Dinamo are preparing for the Ramljak26 tournament starting on August 6, 2026. Ajax and Athletic Bilbao open the tournament in the morning, while the Blues take the pitch at 19:15 against Juventus. Entry to all matches is free, and you can watch the broadcasts on Dinamo Plus.
