Norway say the injury to Erling Haaland is not serious ahead of Man City's Premier League game against Liverpool on November 25, live on Sky Sports; the striker suffered the injury against Faroe Islands on Thursday; Man City's injury problems mount ahead of big game against title rivals
Tuesday 21 November 2023 06:50, UK
Erling Haaland has pulled out of the Norway squad to face Scotland in Sunday's Euro 2024 qualifier due to an ankle injury.
Norway said the striker is unavailable for the game against Scotland because "he is in so much pain" and his function is "somewhat restricted" although manager Stale Solbakken says it is "not serious".
Haaland, who will hope to recover for City's Premier League game against Liverpool on Saturday November 25, suffered the problem against Faroe Islands on Thursday.
"It's the movement in his foot that is the problem but it's not a serious injury," said Solbakken, speaking at Hampden Park on Saturday. "Had it been a final, I don't know (if he would have been fit to play).
"All parties agree it is probably a little too early (for him to play) but it is not a career-threatening injury."
Haaland sustained the injury when he came on as a second-half substitute in Thursday's friendly. When asked why the striker was used in such a low-key match, Solbakken said: "It was his choice. He wanted to play 45 minutes to keep the momentum in a week where we were maybe not training as much. It was his decision."
Scotland have already qualified for Euro 2024 but are still fighting for top spot with Spain, who are two points ahead with a game to go.
Norway cannot reach Sunday's opponents but need to claim points to guarantee Georgia do not overtake them in third on the final qualifying matchday in Group A.
Haaland's injury will be a concern to Manchester City ahead of a key game against Premier League title rivals Liverpool after the international break.
City manager Pep Guardiola is already without Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones due to injury. Adding Haaland to that would leave him without three of his most key players save for Rodri.
Guardiola is also contending with four other fresh injury concerns ahead of perhaps his side's biggest game of the season so far.
Goalkeeper Ederson suffered a foot injury against Chelsea which has kept him from playing for Brazil over the international break.
Midfielder Matheus Nunes was deemed not to be fit enough to play for Portugal in their two November games.
Defender Nathan Ake and midfielder Mateo Kovacic also picked up injuries in the draw at Stamford Bridge.
