Sheffield United midfield star, Sander Berge, saw his year of misery continue as Norway were eliminated from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, thanks to the Netherlands.
Berge’s Norway needed to beat the Dutch and hope Turkey’s result went their way as well. However, two late goals ensured it was the Netherlands who took top spot in group G, while Turkey also managed to see Montenegro off to ensure they’ll be in the playoffs.
It means that the world won’t get the chance to see Erling Haaland on the biggest stage. The Dortmund striker is being tipped to make a move to the Premier League in the summer though.
For Sheffield United star Berge, however, Norway’s failure to qualify puts a sour cherry on top of what has been a forgettable 2021 for the midfielder.
The £22m man has seen his time with United riddled with injury. So far this season, Berge has managed just the six appearances. A bout of Covid-19 ruled him out of the 6-2 win over Peterborough, before more hamstring trouble has seen him sidelined since.
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What Next For Sander Berge?
When United were relegated, there was a feeling among supporters that Sander Berge would dominate the Championship. There were some positive signs, too, in those early games.
But at the moment, it’s hard to see it ever clicking for Berge. As much as we all want it to go well, he doesn’t look anywhere near to being back. Slavisa Jokanovic said he hoped to have him working after the international break.
Time will tell this week if that’s the case, with Jokanovic set for his pre-Coventry presser.
In the summer, both Arsenal and Spurs wanted Berge. But there is surely no way those two will be back in for the Norwegian in January. That leaves United, Jokanovic, and Berge himself to put things right.
Fitness, of course, will be the key issue. If Sander can get that right, then Sheffield United have an international midfielder on their hands who was highly sought after.
But if he Berge can’t get back to being 100%, then the Blades have a high-earning player on their books with depreciating value. That, as we know, is a lose lose situation for the club.