Erling Haaland, who withdrew from the Norwegian team for their first two Euro 2024 qualifying matches due to a groin injury, will return to Manchester City for medical tests.
Following a five-goal outburst in a 7-0 Champions League thrashing of RB Leipzig, the star striker netted a hat-trick as City defeated Burnley 6-0 at the weekend in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Haaland joined his teammates from Norway as they got ready to play Spain and Georgia, but he won’t be taking part in either of those games.
Team doctor Ola Sand told the Norwegian Football Federation’s website: “We hoped that this would carry over to Saturday but after doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia.
“It is better that he receives medical follow-up at the club.”
Kampene mot Spania og Georgia går dessverre uten Erling Braut Haaland. Han har reist hjem grunnet skade. Les mer her: https://t.co/BPVnWNWUgt
— Fotballandslaget (@nff_landslag) March 21, 2023
Norway boss Stale Solbakken added: “Erling took it hard when he realised that he could not fight for the team.
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“Fortunately, there is still plenty of self-confidence, talent and cohesion in this group to win points in the next matches.”
City will hope the injury is not serious ahead of a busy period following the international break, starting with a crunch Premier League clash at home to Liverpool on April 1 as Pep Guardiola’s side aim to bridge the eight-point gap to leaders Arsenal.
A trip to Southampton then precedes the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at Bayern Munich on April 11.
Haaland has scored 42 goals in just 37 appearances during a prolific first season at the Etihad Stadium.