Haaland Injury Concern Grows as Man City Face Liverpool
Erling Haaland’s fitness has become a major talking point ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool after the striker was substituted early during Norway’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal.
Haaland was taken off in the 67th minute after signalling to the bench that he could no longer continue. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken later said the plan had been for Haaland to play for around 60 minutes or until he could no longer contribute.
The timing will concern Manchester City supporters, with City preparing to face Liverpool in a highly anticipated Premier League fixture.
Haaland had been in strong form
The Manchester City striker had scored three goals and completed 90 minutes in each of his previous three matches during the international break before being withdrawn against Portugal.
His early substitution therefore immediately raised questions about whether he will be fully fit when domestic football returns.
Haaland is not the only Premier League star returning from the international break with fitness concerns.
Liverpool have also been monitoring Alexander Isak after the forward left the Sweden squad with a thigh problem.
Cody Gakpo was also withdrawn from the Netherlands camp after suffering an ankle injury.
Manchester City vs Liverpool
The fitness of Haaland could become one of the biggest talking points before Manchester City face Liverpool.
Both clubs have ambitions at the top of the Premier League, making the availability of key attackers particularly important.
For City, Haaland remains one of the most important players in their attack. Any absence would significantly change their options going forward.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns to manage as they prepare for the return of Premier League football.
What happens next?
Manchester City will be hoping Haaland’s substitution was precautionary rather than an indication of a serious injury.
The striker will now return to his club, where City’s medical staff can assess his condition ahead of the Premier League schedule.
For football fans, the big question is simple:
Will Haaland be fit to face Liverpool?
RickyMedia Football will continue tracking the latest Premier League injury news, fixtures, results, live scores and team updates.
Source
Information in this report is based on the latest Premier League update on players involved in the international break.