Both Frenzel and Riiber are gold medallists in the normal hill/10 kilometres event, which combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing, but both have tested positive for COVID-19 in the build-up to the Games.

Riiber is expected to miss the first event after testing positive on Thursday (February 3), with Frenzel fearing the same after his case was flagged the following day.

The Olympic champion complained about quarantine conditions, stating poor WiFi and food.

One benefactor of two being missing could be Japan's Akito Watabe, the silver medallist at two successive Games.

His recent form, however, would suggest another medal may be difficult.

Austria's Johannes Lamparter is the natural pick outside of the missing pair after picking up multiple Nordic Combined World Cup podiums this season, including three wins in January.

Lamparter was also crowned world champion in the large hill/10km event in Oberstdorf in Germany last year.

He finished front of Riiber and Watabe too, although those out with COVID-19 might be back in action by the time this event is scheduled to take place on February 15.

Vinzenz Geiger of Germany has two victories this season too.

Other Germans worth considering are Johannes Rydzek and Fabian Rießle, first and second at Pyeongchang 2018 in the large hill/10km,and will make up a strong team who are the favourites for team gold too.