Erling Haaland raised concerns over his fitness after limping off during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat by Portugal on Sunday.
Haaland has scored seven goals for City so far this season, making his fitness a major concern for the club ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Liverpool. Further assessment will determine the extent of the injury and whether Haaland will be available for the important league fixture.
His injury scare came as Norway suffered their third consecutive defeat in the Nations League. Portugal, meanwhile, secured their fourth straight win in the competition and booked their place in the quarter-finals. Norway took the lead in the 36th minute through Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer.
Ajer controlled Martin Odegaard’s cross on his chest before producing a powerful half-volley from the edge of the box that flew into the top corner. Portugal responded almost immediately. Two minutes later, Joao Cancelo levelled the score with a spectacular effort from a similar distance after receiving a long throw-in from Nuno Mendes.
Haaland came close to restoring Norway’s advantage but dragged his effort wide before being substituted. Portugal eventually completed the comeback with 11 minutes remaining. Goncalo Ramos reacted quickest inside the box to finish from close range after Joao Felix laid the ball into his path. Portugal were reduced to 10 men in the 87th minute when Francisco Conceicao received two quick yellow cards for dissent.
With two matches remaining in the group stage, defending Nations League champions Portugal moved six points clear at the top of Group A4. Denmark are second after beating Wales 1-0, while Norway sit bottom of the group.
For Manchester City, attention will now turn to the results of Haaland’s medical assessment before the club’s meeting with Liverpool.
