Erling Haaland has pulled out of the Norway squad to face Scotland in Sunday’s Euro 2024 qualifier due to an ankle injury.
Norway say the injury to the Manchester City striker is not serious, although he is unavailable for the game against Scotland because “he is in so much pain” and his function is “somewhat restricted”.
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.
Norway will not be calling up a replacement for Haaland, says manager Stale Solbakken.
Saturday 25th November 11:00am
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“This is a great opportunity for the offensive players in the squad,” he said.
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.
Injury problems mount for Man City
Pep Guardiola has some injury problems ahead of the game against Liverpool
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.
