Soccer - Norway's Hansen takes a break from international duty over health issues

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta unveils the new jersey - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - June 15, 2021 FC Barcelona's Caroline Graham Hansen as the new jersey is unveiled REUTERS/Albert Gea

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Norway forward Caroline Graham Hansen announced that she is taking a break from the national team to rest and recover after dealing with a heavy playing schedule and a heart problem that was diagnosed in November 2021.

The 27-year-old Barcelona player has scored 44 goals in 98 appearances for Norway. On Tuesday, new Norway manager Hege Riise included Graham Hansen in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Belgium on Sept 2 and Albania on Sept 6 but a day later the striker announced that she was taking a break.