Veszprem’s Emil Nielsen declared fit to face Barcelona in Club World Cup final

Veszprem coach Xavi Pascual says goalkeeper Emil Nielsen is fully fit to face his former club Barcelona in the Handball Club World Cup final.

Nielsen missed Veszprem’s final group-stage match after suffering a stomach illness, but the Denmark international has recovered and is available for the decisive match.

“Nielsen will play 100% – there are no doubts,” Pascual told Mundo Deportivo.

The goalkeeper has not yet returned to full team training, although he has completed individual work. Pascual said that would not prevent him from featuring in the final.

“He was unable to take part in the team training, but he did some training and he will definitely play,” he said.

“We will see whether he plays the whole match or how we manage the situation, but as soon as we can, we will put him on the court.”

Nielsen joined Veszprem during the summer transfer window from Barcelona and became one of the Hungarian side’s major signings before the new season.

Pascual praised the 27-year-old’s quality and said his ability had been evident well before his move to Veszprem.

“Emil is not only a great goalkeeper now; it has been clear for a long time that he would become an exceptional player,” said Pascual.

“However, he still has a lot to give us. He is still adapting, and change is not easy.”

Pascual added that Nielsen had quickly become an important source of confidence for the team, while stressing that Veszprem had more than one route to victory.

“Nielsen gives us a lot of security and we have great confidence in him, but we do not depend only on him – we have other elements as well,” he said.

“Clearly, he helps us a lot because he is currently the best goalkeeper in the world, and having him is always a guarantee. But that does not guarantee you will win every match.”

Veszprem completed three victories in the group stage, beating Al Ahly, German club Fuchse Berlin and Kuwait’s Barqan.

They will now meet Barcelona in the final of the Handball Club World Cup.

Veszprem’s squad includes Egypt internationals Ali Zein, Yehia Elderaa, Ahmed Adel “Dola” and Ahmed Hesham “Dodo”. Barcelona’s squad features Seif Elderaa.