Finnish skiers Kerttu Niskanen and Johanna Matintalo will not be competing in the upcoming World Cup event in Falun. Matintalo has been reported to lack complete recovery from a back injury and feels it is important to perform at her best for future competitions in Lahti. Meanwhile, Niskanen's reason for withdrawal has not been disclosed.

The upcoming races in Falun, including a sprint on Saturday and a skiathlon on Sunday, will proceed without both athletes, which could impact the Finnish women's team dynamics. Other members of the team, including Jasmi Joensuu, Jasmin Kähärä, Hilla Niemelä, Tiia Olkkonen, and Vilma Ryytty, are expected to compete and demonstrate their skills in their absence.

This situation brings to light the ongoing challenges athletes face concerning health and performance. Their decisions to step back from the competition underscore the importance of prioritizing complete recovery before returning to high-stakes events, particularly in a sport as physically demanding as cross-country skiing.