Leeds United duo Kristoffer Klaesson and Leo Hjelde are facing an uphill battle to progress beyond the group stages of the European U21s Championships, meaning an early return to Leeds United.
The pair are both part of Norway's under-21 squad at this summer's European Championships, but things haven't gone well for them thus far. Norway have lost both of their two group games so far, with Klaesson and Hjelde both coming into the side for the most recent defeat to France.
Their final group stage game will take place against Italy on Wednesday, where they will come up against Whites team-mate Wilfried Gnonto and will have to win to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
As well as beating Italy, Norway would have to hope group leaders France beat Switzerland too, while they would need to overcome a goal difference deficit of two goals with both Italy and Switzerland to progress.
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Should that not materialise then the Leeds duo will be heading back to Yorkshire earlier than expected this summer, though they will still be back later than other team-mates, with the pair afforded a holiday before their returns. When they do return, discussions are likely to take place regarding the futures of both players.
Klaesson, 22, lost his place as Leeds's second choice to Joel Robles last term, with the Spaniard replacing Illan Meslier for the run-in. But Robles has been released this summer and Meslier is attracting interest from Premier League clubs, with an exit likely. That could pave the way for the goalkeeper next season, but he is believed to have loan interest, with struggles so far to impress since his move in 2021.
Hjelde, meanwhile, reportedly has interest from Italian Serie A side Salernitana. The 19-year-old has managed just five first-team appearances since switching Celtic for Elland Road in September 2021, but could find game-time easier to come by following relegation from the Premier League.
