Mikael Granlund missed practice with the Finnish national team, the Leijonat, due to a minor illness, but head coach Antti Pennanen indicated that he should be back in the lineup for upcoming games. Granlund was reported to be 'a bit sick,' alongside teammate Anton Lundell, who has also been absent due to illness since the previous match. The coach, however, did not share specific details about the players' conditions, citing privacy restrictions regarding player health.

Coach Pennanen has been focused on keeping the team's internal matters confidential during this tournament. He noted that the team took a day off on Sunday, during which he explored the city, reflecting on the need for relaxation after an intense week of competition. He emphasized that the downtime was beneficial for the players, allowing them to recharge before the next critical match, which is a quarter-final showdown against the winner of the Switzerland-Italy matchup.

As the tournament progresses, maintaining player health and readiness will be crucial for the Leijonat as they aim to secure victories in the knockout rounds. The uncertain health status of Granlund and Lundell adds a layer of complexity to the team's preparation, but their anticipated return could bolster the team's chances against tough competition ahead.