Erling Haaland Injury Concern Grows After Norway Substitution
Manchester City have been handed a potential injury setback after Erling Haaland was forced off during Norway’s Nations League clash against Portugal.
Haaland started the match in Porto but was substituted in the 67th minute, with Crystal Palace forward Jørgen Strand Larsen coming on in his place. The striker appeared to signal towards the Norway bench that he was struggling and requested to be withdrawn.
The extent of Haaland’s injury remains unclear, with further assessment expected to determine whether the 26-year-old will be sidelined for any period. His potential absence would be a significant concern for Manchester City as they prepare for the return of domestic football.
Norway took the lead in the 36th minute when Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer produced a spectacular volley. Portugal responded almost immediately, with João Cancelo finding the equaliser just two minutes later to make it 1-1 at half-time.
Haaland left the field with 23 minutes of normal time remaining, and Portugal eventually completed the comeback when Gonçalo Ramos scored in the 79th minute to give the hosts a 2-1 victory.
The striker’s fitness was the main concern to emerge from the game, overshadowing another major storyline involving Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo was absent from the Portugal squad after reportedly leaving the camp following his exclusion from the previous meeting between the two nations in Oslo. Reports of a disagreement between the 41-year-old and Portugal manager Jorge Jesus led to Ronaldo departing the camp for Madrid, further raising questions about his international future.