Manchester City are facing an anxious wait over Erling Haaland’s condition ahead of their Premier League meeting with Liverpool after the striker was withdrawn during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal.
Haaland’s departure from the match initially raised fears of a fresh injury just six days before Manchester City’s trip to Anfield. The 26-year-old signalled towards the Norway bench during the second half and appeared to be limping before being replaced by Jørgen Strand Larsen in the 67th minute.
However, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has moved to ease concerns, insisting that Haaland’s withdrawal was part of a plan agreed before the match rather than a response to a confirmed serious injury.
The incident nevertheless leaves Manchester City with an important question to answer before Sunday’s Premier League encounter.
Haaland had started Norway’s Nations League meeting with Portugal and remained on the pitch until midway through the second half, when he turned towards the bench and indicated that he wanted to come off.
The sight of the striker appearing uncomfortable as he left the field immediately attracted attention, particularly because of the timing of the incident.
Manchester City are scheduled to face Liverpool at Anfield on October 11, with Haaland expected to be central to their attacking plans.
Solbakken’s explanation, however, paints a less alarming picture.
The Norway manager revealed that he had held a detailed conversation with Haaland about his workload before the Portugal match. According to Solbakken, the plan was for the striker to play around an hour before being withdrawn if necessary.
Solbakken explained that Haaland had been feeling the effects of a demanding schedule and that the coaching staff had discussed several options with him before the match.
The Norway boss also stressed that Haaland was not the only player whose workload was being managed. Several players who had accumulated significant minutes were also discussed as part of the team’s approach to handling the physical demands of the international schedule.
Haaland’s workload has been particularly intense.
The Manchester City striker played full matches in Norway’s previous three Nations League fixtures before facing Portugal. He has also returned to international football after a demanding summer that included Norway’s World Cup campaign.
That combination of club and international football has placed considerable physical demands on the forward.
Solbakken said Haaland had looked tired during Norway’s previous match against Wales, which prompted the conversation about managing his minutes against Portugal.
The plan appeared to work as intended, with Haaland completing roughly the targeted period before Strand Larsen entered the game.
Yet the visual impression of Haaland limping off means City supporters will understandably remain cautious.
There is currently no confirmed diagnosis of an injury from Manchester City, and it would therefore be premature to claim that the striker has suffered a specific muscle or leg problem.
What is known is that Haaland himself requested the substitution and appeared uncomfortable as he left the pitch. He then remained with the Norway substitutes rather than immediately disappearing down the tunnel for further treatment.
The timing makes the situation particularly significant for Manchester City.
Liverpool await at Anfield on Sunday in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Premier League weekend. Haaland has become City’s primary attacking outlet and his availability could have a major influence on the contest.
The Norwegian has scored seven goals in seven appearances for Manchester City this season, making him one of the most important players in the squad.
His absence would consequently force City to reconsider their attacking approach for a fixture in which opportunities may be limited.
For now, however, there is a difference between an injury scare and a confirmed injury.
Norway’s explanation provides encouragement for City, but it does not completely remove the uncertainty. Haaland’s condition will ultimately have to be assessed by Manchester City’s medical staff after his return to the club.
The situation is therefore one City supporters will monitor closely during the build-up to Sunday’s match.
Haaland’s early departure from Norway’s defeat to Portugal certainly created alarm, but the latest information from the Norway camp suggests fatigue rather than a confirmed injury was the reason behind his withdrawal.
Until Manchester City provide further medical information, the striker should be regarded as a fitness doubt rather than a confirmed injury absentee for the Liverpool clash.
For now, the biggest relief for City is that Norway’s manager has offered a reassuring explanation. The final verdict, however, will come when Haaland is assessed by Manchester City’s medical team.
And with Liverpool waiting at Anfield, the outcome of that assessment could become one of the biggest talking points ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown.
