Erling Haaland faces injury scare ahead of Man City vs Liverpool

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was substituted during a Norway match due to fatigue, sparking concerns about his fitness ahead of a crucial club fixture. His national team coach confirmed discussions regarding the player's heavy workload following a busy season.
Why it matters
The physical health of high-profile athletes is a major concern for clubs and fans, especially when compounded by international duty and intense match schedules.
The Manchester City star asked to be substituted and was replaced in the 67th minute of the 2-1 defeat in Porto.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Coach Solbakken says Haaland has had a heavy workload after playing the full game in Norway’s first three Nation’s League fixtures [File: Octavio Passos/Getty Images] By AP Published On 6 Oct 2026 6 Oct 2026 Norway coach Stale Solbakken has revealed that he had a “heart-to-heart conversation” with Erling Haaland regarding concerns about the striker’s heavy workload ahead of a Nations League loss to Portugal, in which the Manchester City star asked to be substituted.
Haaland gestured to Norway’s bench that he needed to come off and was replaced in the 67th minute of the 2-1 defeat in Porto on Sunday.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Erling Haaland goes off injured for Norway as Man City handed another blow
Stale Solbakken reveals details of Erling Haaland 'heart-to-heart' before substituting Man City star in Norway defeat to Portugal
Nations League roundup: Haaland limps off in Norway’s loss to Portugal
Erling Haaland limps off in Norway defeat by Portugal
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