Haaland’s Fitness Uncertain After Norway Substitution

Erling Haaland was substituted in the 67th minute of Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal after appearing to limp and signal to the bench, leaving his availability for Manchester City’s Premier League match against Liverpool uncertain. The nature and severity of any injury have not been confirmed in the reports. Haaland was replaced by Jørgen Strand Larsen as Norway led 1-0. Portugal equalised through João Cancelo two minutes after Kristoffer Ajer had put Norway ahead in the 36th minute. Gonçalo Ramos scored the winner in the 79th minute, completing Portugal’s comeback. The substitution drew attention because Haaland appeared uncomfortable as he left the field. That observation does not establish that he sustained an injury, and no medical assessment or confirmed update from Manchester City was reported. The club was awaiting further information ahead of its visit to Liverpool on Sunday, October 11. Norway coach Ståle Solbakken was reported as saying that Haaland’s minutes had been planned, with a substitution around the 65-minute mark intended after the striker had played three full matches in the preceding 10 days.