Norway’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers have been overshadowed by uncertainty surrounding Kristoffer Ajer’s fitness. The Brentford defender was unexpectedly left out of the Bees’ squad for their 3–1 win over Newcastle United last weekend, raising questions about a possible injury or illness.
Ajer has been a consistent starter for Keith Andrews this season, featuring prominently in Premier League clashes against West Ham, Manchester City, and Liverpool. His absence came as a surprise, especially since there had been no reports from Brentford regarding an injury before or after the match.
Despite the mystery, Ajer has still been called up to Norway’s national squad, with their team doctor confirming his attendance at camp. However, no one — including the Norwegian medical staff — seems to know the full story yet.
Norway medical staff waiting for updates from Brentford
Norwegian outlet VG spoke with the team’s doctor Ola Sand, who admitted that while Ajer is expected to join up with the national team, he has not yet been able to assess the player’s condition.
“He’s coming to the [Norway] meeting tomorrow. I haven’t spoken to Kristoffer, but he is ready to fight.” — Ola Sand, Norway team doctor
This has done little to ease growing concern in Norway, where Ajer remains a crucial figure in their defensive setup. With the team preparing for two decisive World Cup qualifiers, his fitness will be monitored closely upon arrival at camp.
Mystery around Ajer’s absence from Brentford squad
Brentford have yet to provide any official statement about Ajer’s absence from the matchday squad against Newcastle. Local reports in England also offered no insight into whether the issue was physical, tactical, or related to illness.
For Keith Andrews, Ajer’s potential unavailability would be a blow. The defender has been one of the more reliable performers in what has been a mixed season for the Bees. His versatility — comfortable both as a centre-back and right-sided defender — has been essential to Brentford’s tactical flexibility.
Kristoffer Ajer 2025/26 Premier League Stats
| Stat (2025/26) | Kristoffer Ajer |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes Played | 530 |
| Tackles per Game | 1.9 |
| Clearances per Game | 2.1 |
| Balls Recovered per Game | 1.0 |
| Total Duels Won | 5.0 (67%) |
source: Sofascore data – 10 November 2025
Ajer’s numbers underline his importance. Winning 67% of his duels and averaging nearly two tackles and two clearances per match, the Norwegian remains one of Brentford’s most consistent defensive contributors. His distribution from the back has also been key in initiating attacks, something Keith Andrews has relied on in high-pressure fixtures.
Analyst Verdict: Brentford and Norway both on alert
At FootballPlace we believe Ajer’s situation highlights how international breaks can complicate injury management. “Both Brentford and Norway have an interest in clarity here,” he explained. “If Ajer is carrying a knock, it makes little sense for him to travel — but if he’s fit, then Brentford’s decision to rest him must be tactical.”
“Ajer’s leadership and defensive awareness have made him indispensable for both club and country. Norway’s defensive structure looks far less secure without him.”
Key Insights
- Kristoffer Ajer missed Brentford’s win over Newcastle with no official explanation.
- Norway’s medical staff have yet to confirm if the defender is injured or ill.
- Ajer has been ever-present this season, playing 530 minutes in 9 matches.
- His duel win rate (67%) and defensive stats underline his value to the team.
- Brentford and Norway await further clarity before key international fixtures.
What’s Next for Ajer and Brentford?
Norway will conduct full medical checks once Ajer arrives at camp, which should clarify whether he is fit to feature in their upcoming qualifiers. His availability could be crucial in determining their World Cup hopes, as they face must-win matches over the next week.
For Brentford, the focus will be on ensuring Ajer’s condition doesn’t worsen during international duty. The Bees face Brighton after the break, a game that could prove vital in their push to move clear of the bottom half of the Premier League table.
👉 Should Brentford have been more transparent about Ajer’s mysterious absence — or were they right to keep it quiet before the break?
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