Manchester City have been handed an early concern ahead of their crucial Premier League meeting with Liverpool after Erling Haaland appeared to suffer a physical problem while on international duty with Norway.
The 26-year-old striker was forced to leave Norway’s UEFA Nations League match against Portugal in Porto on Monday, October 5, 2026. Haaland was withdrawn in the second half and appeared to be uncomfortable as he made his way off the pitch.
His condition immediately became a talking point for Manchester City, particularly because the club are preparing for a major Premier League fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, October 11.
For now, the full extent of Haaland’s problem remains unclear. Manchester City will have to wait for further medical assessment before determining whether their leading striker will be available.
Haaland Forced Off Against Portugal
Haaland started Norway’s match against Portugal and was expected to lead the attack.
However, his involvement lasted only until the 67th minute. He was then replaced by Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The manner of Haaland’s departure attracted attention.
The Manchester City striker appeared to show discomfort toward the Norway bench before leaving the field. He was also seen walking with a limp after being substituted.
Those images naturally raised concerns about whether Haaland had suffered an injury that could affect his availability for Manchester City.
Norway eventually lost the match 2-1. Portugal secured the victory through a late goal from Goncalo Ramos.
While the result was disappointing for Norway, the bigger concern for Manchester City is now Haaland’s physical condition.
Key points from Haaland’s situation:
- He started against Portugal.
- Haaland was substituted in the 67th minute.
- Jorgen Strand Larsen replaced him.
- Haaland appeared uncomfortable after leaving the pitch.
- Norway lost 2-1 to Portugal.
- Manchester City are awaiting further medical assessment.
Manchester City Face Liverpool at Anfield
The timing of Haaland’s physical problem makes the situation particularly significant.
Manchester City are scheduled to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, in a major Premier League encounter.
Haaland would naturally be one of City’s most important players for such a fixture.
His presence provides Manchester City with a major attacking threat, while his absence would leave the team without one of their primary options in front of goal.
That makes the upcoming medical assessment particularly important.
Manchester City will want to establish as quickly as possible whether Haaland’s problem is simply fatigue or a minor knock, or whether there is a more serious issue that could keep him out of the Liverpool match.
The club’s medical staff will therefore have a crucial role in determining his condition once he returns from international duty.
Norway Coach Offers Reassuring Update
Despite the concern created by Haaland’s departure, Norway head coach Stale Solbakken attempted to ease fears surrounding the striker.
According to Solbakken, Haaland’s substitution had already been planned as part of the team’s approach to managing his workload.
The striker had played three full matches over a period of 10 days, meaning fatigue was considered an important factor in the decision to take him off.
Solbakken also indicated that he had not seen signs of a serious problem with Haaland.
That assessment provides some encouragement for Manchester City, particularly given the importance of the Liverpool fixture.
However, the situation cannot be considered completely settled until Haaland undergoes further assessment.
Haaland’s Fitness Will Be Closely Monitored
Manchester City now face a waiting game.
The club’s medical team will need to examine Haaland after he returns from international duty and determine whether he has suffered an actual injury.
There are several possible scenarios.
If the problem is related primarily to fatigue, Haaland could have enough time to recover before Manchester City’s trip to Anfield.
A minor knock could also leave the door open for him to feature, depending on how he responds during the recovery period.
The situation would obviously be more concerning if the medical assessment identifies a muscle problem or another issue that requires a longer recovery.
For Manchester City, the distinction could have a major impact on their preparations for Liverpool.
Why Haaland’s Availability Matters
Haaland has become a central figure in Manchester City’s attacking plans, making his fitness particularly important ahead of a match of this magnitude.
Liverpool away from home represents a demanding test, and City will want their strongest possible squad available.
Having Haaland leading the attack would provide the team with a clear focal point in the final third.
Without him, Manchester City would have to adjust their attacking approach and find another solution against Liverpool’s defence.
That is why the coming days will be closely watched by City supporters.
The club will not want to take unnecessary risks with Haaland, but they will also understand how valuable his presence could be at Anfield.
Manchester City Must Wait for Medical Results
At this stage, it would be premature to conclude that Haaland will definitely miss the Liverpool match.
The Norway coach has suggested that workload management and fatigue played a role in the substitution, while the striker’s appearance of discomfort has understandably created concern.
The final answer will come from Manchester City’s own medical assessment.
If Haaland is cleared after returning to England, he could still have time to recover fully and prepare for the Anfield encounter.
If a more serious physical problem is discovered, however, Manchester City could face a major setback ahead of one of their most important Premier League fixtures.
For now, the focus remains on Haaland’s condition.
Manchester City supporters will be hoping the images of their star striker walking gingerly after the Norway match prove to be nothing more than a temporary concern.
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