Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is an injury doubt ahead of the club’s Premier League clash with Liverpool after he limped off during Norway’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the Nations League on Sunday.
Haaland signalled to the Norway bench before being substituted in the 67th minute, with Jørgen Strand Larsen coming on for the Manchester City forward. The nature and severity of the problem had yet to be confirmed as of Monday morning.
The 26-year-old had been involved in Norway’s attack before asking to be withdrawn, raising concerns over his availability for Manchester City’s trip to Anfield.
The setback comes less than a week before City face Liverpool on Sunday, in one of the Premier League’s early-season headline fixtures. Manchester City confirmed the match is scheduled for a 4:30pm kick-off at Anfield.
Haaland has scored seven goals for Manchester City so far this season, making his fitness a significant concern for manager Enzo Maresca ahead of the encounter.
Haaland substituted as Norway lose
Norway took the lead against Portugal in the 36th minute when Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer converted Martin Ødegaard’s cross with a superb half-volley.
Portugal responded two minutes later through João Cancelo before Gonçalo Ramos completed the comeback with 11 minutes remaining.
Haaland was unable to prevent Norway from suffering a third consecutive Nations League defeat, while Portugal’s victory secured its place in the Nations League quarter-finals. Norway remained bottom of the group with two matches left.
Manchester City await further assessment
Manchester City are now expected to assess Haaland’s condition before determining whether he will be available against Liverpool.
Reports from the Norway camp suggested the substitution may have been influenced by workload and fatigue, with Haaland having played three full matches in the previous 10 days. However, the club’s own assessment will determine the extent of the problem and his prospects of featuring at Anfield.
The concern comes during an international break that has already produced several injury worries for Premier League clubs, with Liverpool also monitoring the fitness of players returning from international duty.
Haaland’s absence could affect city’s attack
Haaland has established himself as one of Manchester City’s main attacking threats, meaning his absence would leave Maresca with a major selection decision for the Liverpool encounter.
City will now wait for further medical updates before making a final decision on the Norwegian’s availability.
The match will be played at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, with both sides returning to Premier League action after the international break.
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