Erling Haaland gave Manchester City an unwanted scare during Norway’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal, appearing to limp off before the hour mark and eventually being substituted in the 67th minute. With City’s trip to Liverpool coming up at Anfield on Sunday, the sight of their leading striker leaving the pitch understandably caused concern.
However, the latest update from Norway has provided some relief. Head coach Ståle Solbakken indicated that Haaland’s substitution was planned rather than a reaction to a serious injury. The striker had already played a heavy workload during the international break, and the Norway camp had discussed limiting his minutes before the match.
That distinction is important for Manchester City. There was no immediate confirmation of a fresh injury after Haaland walked off, and the explanation from Norway suggests fatigue was the main reason behind the decision.
What happened to haaland against portugal?
Haaland started Norway’s Nations League clash in Porto but was unable to complete the game. He appeared to signal towards the bench before being replaced by Jørgen Strand Larsen in the 67th minute.
The striker also appeared uncomfortable as he made his way off, which immediately raised questions about whether he had suffered a muscular problem or another physical issue.
At that point, Manchester City had every reason to be concerned. Haaland is one of the most important players in the squad, and the timing could hardly have been worse, with City scheduled to visit Liverpool in a major Premier League fixture on 11 October.
The match itself ended 2-1 in Portugal’s favour. Norway took the lead through Kristoffer Ajer, who produced an excellent finish from the edge of the penalty area after controlling Martin Ødegaard’s cross.
Portugal responded almost immediately. João Cancelo levelled with a spectacular strike before Gonçalo Ramos completed the comeback with the winning goal in the 79th minute. UEFA confirmed that Ramos’ late finish sent Portugal through to the Nations League quarter-finals.
For Haaland, though, the result quickly became secondary to the concern surrounding his condition.
Why man city can breathe a little easier
The most encouraging development came after the match.
Solbakken explained that Norway had already discussed Haaland’s workload before the game. The plan was to get around an hour from him rather than ask him to play another full match.
Haaland eventually lasted beyond that planned point before being withdrawn.
Reports citing the Norway camp say the decision was connected to accumulated fatigue rather than a confirmed new injury. Haaland had already been involved heavily during the international period, making the decision to protect him understandable.
That does not completely remove the question mark over his availability for Liverpool. Manchester City will still want their own medical staff to assess him once he returns to the club.
But there is a significant difference between a player being removed as part of a pre-match workload plan and a player suffering a confirmed injury during the game.
For City supporters, that is probably the biggest positive to take from the situation.
Haaland’s importance to the liverpool game
Manchester City will certainly want Haaland available at Anfield.
The Premier League fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 11 October, with kick-off at 16:30 BST.
Haaland has already established himself as a central figure in City’s attack this season, with seven goals to his name according to the latest reports surrounding the injury scare.
His presence changes the way opponents defend City. His physical strength, movement behind the defence and ability to finish from limited opportunities make him particularly dangerous in big matches.
Against Liverpool, City could therefore be reluctant to take any unnecessary risk.
If Haaland is fully fit, he is likely to be one of the biggest talking points before the game. If there is any doubt, City may have to decide whether to use him from the start, introduce him later or protect him completely.
That decision could become even more important because of the wider pressure surrounding the club.
The Liverpool match will be City’s first Premier League game since the verdict in their long-running financial regulations case. Manchester City have been found guilty of breaches and have lodged an appeal, adding another layer of attention to an already significant fixture.
Portugal move on while norway face a difficult position
Portugal’s victory was another important step for Jorge Jesus’ side.
They have now booked their place in the Nations League quarter-finals, while Norway have suffered a third consecutive defeat in the competition. UEFA’s latest results confirm Portugal’s four-match winning start in Group A4 and Norway’s difficult run.
Portugal were also forced to finish with 10 men after Francisco Conceição received two quick yellow cards for dissent.
The victory was achieved without Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been absent from Portugal’s last three matches after leaving the national-team camp. Jesus has indicated that the door remains open for the veteran forward to return if he wants to do so.
That storyline, however, was overshadowed in the immediate aftermath by the sight of Haaland leaving the pitch.
The bigger concern is workload
There is another angle Manchester City will have to consider.
Haaland has endured an unusually demanding period of football. The 2026 World Cup was followed by the new club season and international commitments, leaving very little opportunity for a genuine extended recovery period.
Norway have previously acknowledged the need to manage his workload, while Haaland himself has experienced the physical demands of an increasingly crowded football calendar.
That makes Solbakken’s decision understandable.
A player as valuable as Haaland does not need to complete every international match simply because he is available. Sometimes the smartest decision is to remove him before a minor problem becomes a major one.
From City’s perspective, the ideal scenario is now straightforward: Haaland returns to Manchester without a significant injury, completes his recovery and is ready for Anfield.
There is no reason at this stage to assume that he will definitely miss Liverpool.
At the same time, it would be premature to declare him certain to start until City’s medical assessment is complete.
What happens next?
The next few days will be important.
Manchester City’s medical team will assess Haaland when he returns from international duty, while manager and coaching staff will have to decide how aggressively to manage his workload before the Liverpool game.
The positive news is that Norway’s explanation has significantly reduced the immediate fear of a serious injury. The substitution appears to have been planned around fatigue rather than caused by a confirmed injury.
Still, football can change quickly. A player can feel fine after a match and develop a problem later, which is why City will not take anything for granted.
For now, the biggest headline is not that Haaland has suffered a confirmed injury. It is that Manchester City have received a warning about the physical demands being placed on their star striker at a crucial point in the season.
And with Liverpool waiting at Anfield, City’s supporters will be hoping the decision to take Haaland off early proves to have been exactly the right one.
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