Haaland Injury Scare For Man City As Norway Striker Limps Off Against Portugal
Manchester City were handed a worry when Erling Haaland asked to be substituted and limped off in Norway's 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal, a week before City travel to Anfield.
Haaland limps off in Porto
Manchester City have an injury scare to monitor after Erling Haaland was substituted in the 67th minute of Norway's 2-1 defeat to Portugal in Group A4 of the Nations League at the Estadio do Dragao on Sunday. The striker signalled to the bench that he wanted to come off, was seen limping, and was replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen. It was not immediately clear what the problem is, and no official update had been given at the time of writing. Haaland had a quiet night. He had one real chance, which he dragged wide shortly before his withdrawal.
Portugal come from behind
Norway led through Kristoffer Ajer's superb strike in the 36th minute, but Joao Cancelo levelled with a fierce first-time effort two minutes later. Goncalo Ramos then scored the winner in the 79th minute, finishing after Joao Felix set him up. Portugal finished the game with ten men after Francisco Conceicao was sent off four minutes from time for two bookings. The result was Norway's third defeat in a row in the competition. They lost 2-1 to Portugal at home on 27 September and 2-1 at Wales on 1 October before this one.
The Nations League picture
Portugal, the defending champions, have won all four of their group games and top Group A4 on 12 points. They have secured a top-two finish and a place in the quarter-finals. Denmark are second, six points behind, after beating Wales 1-0 on Sunday, while Norway and Wales are both on three points, with Wales bottom on goal difference. Two games remain for each side in November.
What it means for City
Haaland has scored seven goals for City this season, five in the Premier League and two in the Champions League. City face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 11 October, their first game since an independent commission found the club guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. City have lodged an appeal against that ruling. Any update on Haaland's fitness is likely to come from Norway or from City in the coming days.