Finland's women had Thursday's match against Canada postponed until next week because of a stomach illness in the squad.
However, it will be difficult to postpone more matches if the competition schedule is to be maintained. Finland has three matches in the next four days before the postponed match with Canada on February 12. So the risk is that Finland will have to withdraw from the World Cup if the team cannot play on Saturday.
"We'll play tomorrow no matter what. It's enough to have five outfield players and a goalkeeper; that's what the rules say. We're hopeful; it looks a little better, but you never know," says Lehterä.
“Nothing you wish for”
Luleå's star defender Jenni Hiirikoski was one of four defenders who were able to train on Friday. A total of 14 players trained, including three goalkeepers.
"This is not something you wish for, but it is what it is and we have to focus on things we can influence. We have tried to follow the rules we have been given and be there for each other," says Hiirikoski, who has recovered from the stomach flu.
Sport-wise, Finland, which won bronze at the 2022 Olympics, is, of course, affected.
"We will bring out the Finnish sisun and fight to make it go well. The goal is still a medal," says the 38-year-old, who is competing in her fifth Olympics.
“Did not spread”
Finland, which shares the same building as Sweden in the Olympic Village, has previously said it is a case of winter vomiting disease. General manager Kimmo Oikarinen says it is unknown how it entered the squad, but that everyone was healthy when they left Finland:
Everyone knows what virus it is, but it's impossible to say where it came from, and it hasn't spread to other nations' teams.
