Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been given several days off following Norway’s Nations League defeat to Portugal, with manager Ståle Solbakken expressing concern over the forward’s workload.
Haaland played four matches for Norway during the international break, completing 90 minutes in the opening three before being substituted after 67 minutes against Portugal due to an injury issue.
Rather than immediately returning to Manchester, the 26-year-old will now take a short break before reporting back to City.
Haaland leaves Norway camp
Solbakken confirmed Haaland was among several players allowed to leave the national team camp immediately after the Portugal game.
“It’s not just him, there’s a whole bunch who are leaving now,” Solbakken said.
“They have been given a few days off from their clubs.”
The break comes after another demanding period for Haaland.
He played 4,144 minutes across 52 appearances for Manchester City last season before adding another 555 minutes during Norway’s World Cup campaign.
After only a short summer break, Haaland returned to City in August and has already accumulated 593 minutes across seven club matches this season, scoring seven goals.
Four more international appearances have now been added to that workload.
Solbakken worried about Haaland workload
Solbakken revealed that he had already discussed managing Haaland’s minutes after noticing signs of fatigue against Wales.
“He was tired against Wales,” the Norway boss explained. “That’s why we had a heart-to-heart talk.”
Haaland could potentially have been restricted to the second half against Portugal, but Solbakken ultimately decided to start his captain.
“I am very happy that he managed to dig out 60 good minutes,” he added.
Solbakken believes Haaland is among the players facing the heaviest workload in European football because of his importance to both club and country.
“He plays pretty much everything at the club,” he said.
“He’s in the group that’s under the most strain, precisely because he plays in every competition and is ‘The Main Man’.”
City will assess Haaland
The immediate concern for Manchester City will be the problem that forced Haaland off against Portugal.
Solbakken did not provide a detailed diagnosis, meaning City will need to assess their striker before determining whether the issue could affect his availability after the international break.
The Norway manager also criticised the wider football calendar, describing the demands on players who competed deep into the World Cup before returning to Champions League clubs as “insane”.
For City, Haaland’s short break therefore arrives at an important moment after an intense start to the campaign.
Key Points
- Erling Haaland left Norway’s camp after suffering an injury issue against Portugal.
- Manchester City have given the striker several days off before he returns to England.
- Haaland played four matches during the international break, including three full 90 minutes.
- Ståle Solbakken revealed he had already discussed Haaland’s fatigue and workload with him.
- City will need to assess the striker’s fitness following his return.
What’s Next?
Haaland will use the next few days to recover before returning to Manchester City.
The priority will be determining the extent of the problem which forced him off against Portugal and whether it threatens his availability for City’s next fixture.
With Haaland already scoring seven goals this season, keeping their leading striker fit will be crucial as the domestic and European schedule intensifies.
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