Derby County handed Sondre Langas boost as decision made on defender

Derby County defender Sondre Langas was omitted from Norway's matchday squad for a third consecutive game ahead of their match against Wales. Langas was left out due to squad size limits rather than injury, having also missed fixtures against Denmark and Portugal. Leigh Curtis reports that his lack of playing time offers a boost to Derby County, keeping him fresh ahead of their upcoming match against Wrexham.

Derby manager John Eustace faces a significant defensive crisis with Matt Clarke and Eiran Cashin ruled out for eight weeks. Their absences leave Langas and Dion Sanderson as the club's only fit senior center-backs. Derby is also dealing with multiple injuries across the defense, including issues for Charlie Taylor, Craig Forsyth, and Derry Murkin.