Erling Haaland is one of many Manchester City stars that left the Etihad Stadium to join up with their national teams for the international break. However, Tuesday morning brought about a worrying update regarding the sensational striker.
The Norwegian FA announced that the 22-year-old goalscoring machine has suffered a groin injury and will be unable to feature in his nation's upcoming clashes with Spain and Georgia. As a result, the player has returned to his club and will receive treatment in Manchester.
Haaland did not pick up this issue while with Drillos Løvene, meaning this cannot be labeled as a casualty of the international break. Instead, it stems from his game against Burnley in the FA Cup quarterfinals which saw the Norwegian bag a hat-trick.
The player initially had a feeling in his groin and there was hope that he could recover in time for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers. However, after undergoing tests, the decision to send him back was taken as it was deemed to be in the best interest of the former Dortmund ace.
Ståle Solbakken's side will now have to make do without their talisman. The Scandinavian nation kick off their qualifying campaign away to Spain on Saturday before hosting Georgia on Tuesday.
However, despite the confirmation from the Norwegian FA, some fans are hesitant to believe this update. Given that there are only 10 to 11 games left in the Premier League campaign, many suspect that this is a ploy to keep Haaland safe and rested for the final run-in.
The Cityzens currently trail league leaders Arsenal by eight points — but Pep's men have a game in hand — and will face Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. Losing Erling to injury at this stage of the season could potentially derail things for the English giants.
A big blow for Norway. A big blow for Erling Haaland!
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft (@JanAageFjortoft) March 21, 2023
Haaland will miss the 2 qualification- games vs Spain and Georgia due to an injury
My thoughts pic.twitter.com/TnhzSfuUC5
I believe coming into decisive stages of the season this type of "injuries" are just precautionary measures to prevent players from playing pointless games. Too much on the cards for Haaland as well as Rashfords and Salibas. They will be fine before the next prem fixture https://t.co/mMjeyKPztr
— Gunzzz (Ali J) (@FplGunz) March 21, 2023
We cannot defeat this Pep guy, because ain't no way he made Haaland fake a groin injury so he can get 2 weeks rest to get ready to harass us even more in the league
— Mod (@CFCMod_) March 21, 2023
Haaland faking injury to get enough rest to humiliate Bayern Munich, Pep masterclass once again ladies and gentlemen. pic.twitter.com/U0bNEyCKpK
— Kobby Founda (@Founda__) March 21, 2023
Erling Haaland has pulled out of Norway's squad due to a groin injury.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 21, 2023
'After being examined by our medical team, we can confirm Erling will be out of action until the day before we play Liverpool,' Man City confirmed in a statement.
Do you genuinely believe the likes of Marcus Rashford & Erling Haaland have both picked up injuries in time for the International break?
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) March 21, 2023
I'm not saying i don't believe it but the timing is incredibly coincidental.
The defending Premier League champions will not be in action until April 1 when they welcome bitter rivals Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium. If Manchester City drop points to Klopp's men, then the Gunners could secure a double-digit lead over their nearest rivals.
As a result, it is imperative that Haaland recovers in time for that fixture. Little is known about the player's return date but the fact that he was called up to the national team suggests that it is nothing serious.
