Erling Haaland has become the centre of growing concern at Manchester City after the Norwegian striker was forced to leave the pitch during Norway’s Nations League defeat to Portugal, with fears now growing that the injury could keep him out for a significant period.
Haaland was substituted in the 67th minute of Norway’s 2–1 defeat after appearing uncomfortable and struggling to continue. The Manchester City superstar was seen limping before signalling to the Norwegian bench that he needed to come off, immediately raising concerns among City supporters with the club’s huge Premier League clash against Liverpool approaching.
The timing could hardly be worse for Manchester City. Haaland has been one of the most important players in the team since the beginning of the campaign and has carried a huge attacking responsibility. Losing him for any extended period would represent a major blow to a City side that has ambitions of competing for major trophies this season.
There are also concerns about the enormous workload Haaland has been subjected to. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken admitted before and after the Portugal match that the striker had been playing an extraordinary number of minutes and was showing signs of exhaustion.
Solbakken revealed that he had spoken privately with Haaland about his physical condition and the possibility of limiting his minutes. The Norway boss eventually decided that Haaland would continue only until he felt he could no longer contribute effectively.
Haaland eventually made it through roughly an hour before asking to be withdrawn.
The situation has naturally created speculation that the striker could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. However, there has been no official confirmation that Haaland has suffered a serious long-term injury. Solbakken’s comments have instead focused heavily on fatigue and workload management, while reports indicate that Haaland was allowed to leave the Norway camp and return to his club for rest.
That has not stopped Manchester City supporters from becoming increasingly nervous.
Haaland is arguably the most difficult player in the City squad to replace. His combination of physical strength, pace, movement, aerial ability and finishing makes him almost impossible to replicate. Even when he is not scoring, his presence forces defenders to remain occupied and creates space for teammates.
Manchester City therefore face a difficult situation if Haaland is unable to recover in time for their upcoming fixtures.
The first major concern is the meeting with Liverpool. City are scheduled to travel to Anfield for a huge Premier League encounter, and Haaland’s availability could have a major influence on the game.
The Norwegian has already established himself as City’s primary source of goals, and removing him from the starting XI would force the coaching staff to consider alternative solutions.
One possibility would be using Phil Foden as a false nine. Another could involve Rayan Cherki operating centrally, while City could also consider moving another attacking player into the striker position.
However, none of those options provides exactly what Haaland brings.
The Norwegian’s ability to occupy two central defenders at once is one of the reasons Manchester City can create so many opportunities around the penalty area. His runs behind defensive lines also give City’s midfielders an obvious target whenever they regain possession.
Without him, City could be forced to change their attacking approach.
The concern is even greater because Haaland has already endured an extremely demanding period. Norway’s international schedule has placed additional physical demands on him, while his club commitments have also been intense.
Solbakken described Haaland as one of the players carrying the heaviest workload, particularly because Manchester City compete across multiple competitions and depend heavily on their star striker.
The Norway manager’s comments have prompted a wider discussion about how much football elite players are being asked to play.
Haaland has had very little opportunity to enjoy an extended period of recovery, especially following Norway’s involvement in the World Cup. He then returned to club football before immediately becoming a central figure for both Manchester City and his national team.
For a player whose game relies heavily on explosive movements, powerful running and physical battles with defenders, fatigue can become a serious concern.
Manchester City will therefore be desperate to receive a clearer medical assessment before making any decision about Haaland’s involvement in upcoming matches.
The club will not want to rush him back if there is a genuine injury risk. At the same time, City know just how important the striker is to their ambitions.
There is a delicate balance between protecting Haaland and maintaining their competitive momentum.
The striker’s importance has been demonstrated repeatedly since his arrival at Manchester City. He has transformed himself into one of the most prolific forwards in world football and has become the focal point of the team’s attack.
His absence would not simply mean losing goals.
It would change the way Manchester City play.
Opponents could potentially defend higher because they would not have to worry about Haaland making constant runs behind their defensive line. City’s midfielders could also find themselves facing different defensive structures because there would be no traditional target occupying the central defenders.
That is why supporters are hoping the latest scare proves to be nothing more than fatigue.
For now, reports do not confirm that Haaland is facing a long-term absence. What is clear is that he experienced discomfort during Norway’s match against Portugal, was seen limping and had to be substituted earlier than expected.
The coming days will therefore be crucial.
Manchester City will want Haaland assessed carefully before determining whether he can return to training. The club’s medical staff will need to establish whether there is an actual injury or whether the player’s early withdrawal was primarily the result of fatigue and the intense schedule he has been subjected to.
If the assessment reveals a significant problem, City could suddenly find themselves without their biggest attacking weapon for a number of important matches.
That would be a major setback for the club.
If, however, Haaland simply needs several days of recovery, Manchester City could still have their superstar striker available for the crucial period ahead.
One thing is certain: City’s supporters will be watching every update closely.
Haaland’s injury scare has once again highlighted the enormous physical demands placed on modern football’s biggest stars. For Manchester City, the priority will be making sure their most important goalscorer is fully fit rather than taking unnecessary risks with his recovery.
Until a medical assessment provides a definitive diagnosis, claims that Haaland is definitely ruled out for a long time should be treated with caution.
But after seeing their star striker limp off for Norway, Manchester City supporters have every reason to be concerned.