Manchester City Sweat on Haaland After Norway Injury Scare
Manchester City face an anxious wait over Erling Haaland after the striker was forced off during Norway’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Portugal in Lisbon. Haaland appeared to be struggling before leaving the match in the 67th minute, creating concern ahead of City’s meetings with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.
What changed for Manchester City
Haaland remained on the field for several minutes after signalling discomfort, with Jorgen Strand Larsen ready to enter. The forward was visibly limping before the substitution was completed, although he walked from the pitch without assistance and exchanged a smile and embrace with Strand Larsen.
City will now assess the extent of the problem. A serious muscle injury would leave Enzo Maresca without the club’s leading attacking threat for two major fixtures early in the campaign. Haaland has scored seven goals this season.
The fitness issue comes during a difficult period off the pitch as City prepare for their first game since being found guilty of financial breaches. The club have lodged an appeal, but the situation adds to the pressure around the squad as attention turns back to the schedule.
Competition context
Norway’s loss extended a poor run in UEFA Nations League Group A4, leaving Stale Solbakken’s team bottom after a third defeat in succession.
- Kristoffer Ajer put Norway ahead with a volley in the 36th minute.
- Joao Cancelo equalised for Portugal two minutes later.
- Goncalo Ramos scored the decisive goal in the 79th minute.
For City, the concern is less about Norway’s group position than the possibility that Haaland could miss matches likely to have a significant bearing on both their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
What is scheduled next
City travel to Anfield to play Liverpool on Sunday before welcoming Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League the following Wednesday.
The club’s medical staff will determine whether Haaland can be involved in either match. If scans confirm a significant injury, Maresca will need to alter his attacking options for two of the most demanding fixtures on City’s immediate calendar.
