Erling Haaland handed City a potential injury concern after asking to be substituted during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat against Portugal in Porto.
The City striker’s evening ended in the 67th minute, with Haaland appearing to limp as he left the pitch. There has been no confirmation of an injury or the reason for his withdrawal, but the manner of his departure will inevitably be watched closely at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland asks to come off against Portugal
Haaland had started as Norway’s main attacking threat but was unable to complete the game, asking to be replaced with just over 20 minutes of normal time remaining.
For City, that was comfortably the most significant moment of the night. Haaland is central to Enzo Maresca’s plans, and the immediate question is whether his withdrawal was precautionary or whether there is a problem that could affect his availability when domestic football resumes.
It also continues a difficult international window for Norway following their earlier Nations League setback, covered in our report on Haaland and Norway’s defeat.
There is little point speculating over the extent of a possible injury before further information emerges. Haaland was at least able to walk from the pitch, but City will want a clearer picture before assessing whether there is any cause for concern.
Portugal went on to win the game 2-1, with Goncalo Ramos scoring the decisive goal 11 minutes from time. Francisco Conceicao was subsequently sent off after receiving a second yellow card, but Roberto Martinez’s side held on with ten men.
A knock? Or a bigger problem?
The result secured Portugal a place in the Nations League quarter-finals in March, although the more immediate issue from a City perspective is Haaland’s condition.
City supporters had been pointed towards the fixture in our preview of Norway against Portugal, with Haaland again the obvious focus. They will now wait for further information from the Norway camp.
Until that arrives, Haaland’s early departure is a concern rather than a confirmed injury, with Maresca hoping his striker returns from international duty ready for the resumption of the Premier League season.
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