Manchester City are now sweating over the availability of star striker Erling Haaland after the Norway national team’s doctor delivered a concerning update on his injury.
The 23-year-old sustained an ankle issue as Norway beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 in a friendly on Thursday. Haaland did not start their game at the Ullevaal Stadion. But head coach Stale Solbakken introduced him at half-time ahead of their match with Scotland this Sunday night.
Norway face the Tartan Army in their final Euro 2024 qualifier, although the fixture does not bear any meaning. Spain and Scotland are already guaranteed to feature in Germany via the top spots in Group A. Norway must come through the play-offs to claim a spot at Euro 2024.
Norway’s doctor issues an update on Haaland’s injury
Haaland has been in brilliant form through Norway’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with six goals in five games. He missed their opening two games this March due to a groin injury. But he will not face Scotland after withdrawing from their squad after the Faroe Islands meeting.
Norway’s team doctor Ola Sand shared after the friendly that Haaland suffered a recurrence of the ankle injury he sustained when Manchester City thrashed AFC Bournemouth 6-1. Pep Guardiola had to replace the forward at half-time but Haaland returned to excel at Chelsea.
The Citizens played out a 4-4 draw at the Blues prior to the international break with Haaland scoring twice. He boasts 13 goals and three assists in 12 Premier League fixtures this season so far. But Manchester City are now sweating over Haaland’s availability after Sand’s update.
“He got a slight twist in his ankle, where he is a bit vulnerable,” Sand told VG. “It hurts a lot right away, and then it goes away pretty quickly. Then we’ll see tomorrow how he is then.”
Manchester City will hope Haaland can still face Liverpool
Haaland suffered the injury while reaching to meet a ball and seemed to get his foot caught underneath his body. Guardiola will hope the 23-year-old can overcome the issue and plays when Manchester City host Liverpool. The Reds will visit Etihad Stadium on November 25.
Guardiola will, at least, be somewhat glad that Norway cannot risk Haaland against Scotland after withdrawing from playing due to the injury. The Citizens coach would have been very loath to see the striker feature in another match that carries zero consequences for Norway.
