Riise faces Norwegian national service call-up

Liverpool midfielder John Arne Riise faces the prospect of being called up forNorwegian military service in January.

English newspaper reports suggest that Riise must turn up for duty on January 8 after a letter written by his mother, Berit, asking for his call-up to be postponed, failed to reach the authorities in time.

National service is still compulsory in Norway, and Berit Riise told the Sun: “One year away from Liverpool could destroy his next 10 years.”

Riise had hoped to gain a deferment but his application for a delay did not reach the Norwegian military by the November 25 deadline.

Norwegian Colonel Hans Pinslund said: “If has got a very good reason it’s possible he could defer it.”

Berit Riise added: “I think everyone is aware of the situation and I don’t think the goal for the Norwegian military is to destroy people’s lives. “When he does eventually come home for good he will do his duty.”