Manchester City have been handed a potential injury scare after Erling Haaland asked to be substituted during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal. The striker signalled to the bench in the 67th minute and was seen limping off the pitch at the Estadio do Dragao.
The Moment Haaland Went Down
The 26-year-old had just come close to putting Norway ahead when he fell to the floor. After a brief assessment, he made it clear he could not continue. Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen replaced him. In a curious sight, Haaland returned to the pitch after leaving it to applaud the supporters, and he was seen doing so without his socks on.
The injury is a concern for City, who rely heavily on their talismanic goalscorer. The club will now wait for medical assessments to establish how serious the problem is and whether he will be available for upcoming fixtures.
How the Match Unfolded
Norway had taken the lead through Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer. He controlled a floated cross from Martin Odegaard before striking a half-volley into the top corner. Portugal responded within minutes. Joao Cancelo collected a long throw-in from Nuno Mendes and smashed home the equaliser.
The Portuguese then found a late winner to complete the comeback. It was their first match since Cristiano Ronaldo left the camp to retire from international football. The result sends Portugal through to the Nations League quarter-finals.
For Norway, the defeat is secondary to the fitness worry surrounding their captain-in-waiting. City supporters will be anxiously awaiting news, hoping the substitution was precautionary rather than a sign of a lengthy spell on the sidelines. An official update from both the club and the Norwegian federation is expected in the coming days.