Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been ruled out of Norway’s match against Scotland on Sunday as he undergoes treatment on an injury sustained on international duty earlier this week.
Haaland posted on social media that he is “trying to get back ASAP” as attentions turn to Manchester City v Liverpool in the opening fixture of Matchweek 13 on Saturday 25 November.
News from Norway’s camp is that Haaland’s injury is not serious but that “he is in so much pain” and that his movement is “somewhat restricted”. Haaland played the whole of the second half as Norway beat Faroe Islands 2-0 on Thursday.
City fans will hope for good news next week on Haaland, who has returned to form with a devastating run of five goals and two assists in his last four Premier League matches, moving three clear of Mohamed Salah at the top of the competition’s scoring charts.
Haaland’s injury is not the only concern for Pep Guardiola‘s side ahead of their Premier League return.
Ederson has withdrawn from the Brazil squad reportedly with a foot problem picked up in the 4-4 draw at Chelsea, while Matheus Nunes has pulled out of the Portugal squad. There are also reports that Mateo Kovacic could be sidelined for up to three weeks with a quad injury.
City’s defensive options are also depleted, with Nathan Ake, John Stones, and long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne all currently sidelined. The club’s depth will be severely tested in the coming weeks, particularly given the grueling schedule of Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
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.
It is unclear how long Haaland will be out for, but his absence will be a major blow to Manchester City as they look to maintain their place at the top of the Premier League table.
