Norway Monitor Erling Haaland Fitness After Heavy International Workload

Erling Haaland’s fitness has become a concern after Norway’s demanding international schedule, with the forward appearing to struggle physically before being withdrawn in the 67th minute of the latest match. The 26-year-old had also gone two games without scoring, an unusual run for a player who has carried a heavy workload since the summer World Cup.

Haaland’s workload prompts Norway caution

Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said he had spoken at length with Haaland before the Portugal fixture, assessing whether the striker was in condition to start after a sequence of matches and limited recovery time.

• Haaland completed 90 minutes against Denmark and in Norway’s first meeting with Portugal.
• Solbakken said the striker looked tired against Wales.
• Norway considered holding Haaland back until half-time against Portugal rather than starting him.
• The forward ultimately produced what Solbakken described as 60 strong minutes before his substitution.

Solbakken said Haaland was uncomfortable with the idea of coming on as a second-half substitute. The striker has previously been introduced from the bench in the League Cup, an experience he does not view positively, and Norway instead opted to use him from the start while managing his overall involvement.

The sight of Haaland hobbling before he left the pitch has heightened concern over his condition ahead of major club fixtures against Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. Enzo Maresca will be waiting for clarity on the availability of his leading centre-forward.

Solbakken criticises the international calendar

Norway have played four Nations League matches in 11 days, a run Solbakken believes has placed an excessive physical burden on players already involved in elite club competition.

The coach described the calendar as “completely insane” for players operating at the top level. He accepted that Norway must fulfil their scheduled matches, but stressed that the effects are particularly severe for Champions League players who had little or no summer break following the World Cup.

• Players who progressed deep into the World Cup did not receive a proper summer holiday.
• Those returning immediately to Champions League and domestic commitments have faced the most intense strain.
• Norway’s schedule has left limited opportunity to rest or rotate key players.

Solbakken said the situation was difficult but unavoidable, arguing that Norway can only continue playing the fixtures for which their squad has been called up.

Norway need November response

Norway are bottom of their Nations League group after four matches, level with Wales on three points. Solbakken acknowledged that the return is not good enough, but does not believe the side need a dramatic change of approach.

Instead, he wants Norway to build on the methods that served them well during the World Cup, with the expectation that improved availability among his strongest players will bring better results. The final group matches in November, against Wales and Denmark, will determine Norway’s position in the competition.

Solbakken’s view is that the performances are capable of producing points once Norway can field a fitter, more complete squad. For now, however, Haaland’s recovery will be the immediate issue as both country and club monitor the effects of an unforgiving run of fixtures.