Norway coach Hege Riise said injured striker Ada Hegerberg is responding well in training ahead of their Women’s World Cup last-16 game against Japan on Saturday.

Former Ballon d’Org winner Hegerberg missed the last game with a groin injury but Roman Haug deputised up front and grabbed a hat-trick in a 6-0 routing of the Philippines.

Riise said Hegerberg was following a medical plan and would train again later on Friday before they take a call on her involvement.

“The goal is to get her ready for match and then we will have to see how ready she will be, whether she can play 90 minutes or shorter,” Riise told reporters.

“We know we have two good number nine target forwards and that’s a luxury for me as a coach. We’ll see who will be available and playing from the start tomorrow.”

When asked if both Hegerberg and Roman Haug could start together, she said: “You will get the team tomorrow, one hour before the match starts.”

Japan stunned Spain 4-0 in their last game to top Group C after exploiting their high line with lethal counter-attacks and Riise expects the Asian side to push higher up against Norway.

“Obviously against Spain they were counter-attacking.

“I guess they will play a little bit higher against us. Maybe the picture will be similar, but opposite,” Riise said.