On Thursday, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland came off the bench in the second half for Norway in their 2-0 friendly win over Faroe Islands.
Earlier this month, the 23-year-old twisted his ankle in the Citizen’s league win over AFC Bournemouth. He’s sustained another injury on the same ankle while in action with the national team.
Norway doctor Ola Sand told TV2 that there would be more clarity on the Manchester City star’s injury situation on Friday.
“He gets a slight twist in his ankle, where he is a bit vulnerable. It hurts a lot right away, and then it goes away pretty quickly. Then we’ll see tomorrow how he is then,” he said.
Norway will take on Scotland at the weekend and TV2 questions whether the striker will be fit in time for the European qualifier on Sunday.
In his post-match press conference, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken admitted he isn’t aware if the player has had contact with Manchester City after the latest setback.
“I’ve hardly visited the dressing room. It’s because it was Mario [Pafundi, Manchester City sports therapist] who treated him the last time he had that injury against Bournemouth,” Solbakken explained.
“Yes [it’s right to have talks quickly with Manchester City], as long as Ola is there, that’s it. Mario is usually with us.”
Solbakken claims it was agreed in advance Haaland wouldn’t play more than 45 minutes against Faroe Islands.
“There was no drama in it. In relation to the match plan he is in, he felt 45 minutes was the best. We actually agreed on that,” he added.
“It means that you keep a certain momentum without getting tired. Injuries can occur at any time during any training session and close contact sports.”
The coach has stated there’s never been conflict between Norway and Manchester City with regards to Haaland, and he also stated he hasn’t received any request from Pep Guardiola so far.
“Never during my time with the national team have I had a request from Pep Guardiola if he wants us to do this or that. Erling is very hungry to play for the national team,” the Norway manager said.
