Liverpool have been handed a potential boost ahead of their huge Premier League clash with Manchester City after Norway manager Ståle Solbakken explained why Erling Haaland was substituted during the international break.
The Manchester City striker was taken off in the second half of Norway’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal, with the score still level at 1-1 at the time.
Haaland’s substitution immediately caught the attention of Liverpool supporters, especially with Manchester City’s trip to Anfield now approaching.
The 26-year-old appeared to indicate that he was experiencing some discomfort before making his way off the pitch, leading to fears that he could have suffered an injury that might rule him out of the highly anticipated clash.
However, Norway boss Solbakken has moved to calm those concerns.
According to reports from Norway, Solbakken suggested that there was no major injury problem and that Haaland was simply exhausted after a demanding period of international football.
“It looked completely harmless. I think it comes down to the bigger picture — he was simply completely spent,” Solbakken explained.
That will come as a relief to Manchester City, although Liverpool fans will still be watching the situation closely.
Haaland has been one of City’s biggest attacking threats this season and his availability could be crucial when Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Anfield.
The striker has already been carrying a heavy workload for both club and country, making his recovery over the coming days particularly important.
There is now almost a full week between Norway’s match and City’s meeting with Liverpool, giving Haaland valuable time to rest and recover.
Unless he develops a new problem, the Norwegian is expected to be available for selection.
Liverpool Have Injury Concerns Of Their Own
While Liverpool supporters may have hoped Haaland’s withdrawal was more serious, the Reds are also dealing with their own fitness concerns ahead of the massive fixture.
Cody Gakpo is currently facing a race against time after picking up a knock while on international duty with the Netherlands.
Alexander Isak is another player being monitored after reportedly suffering a thigh issue while representing Sweden.
Liverpool will therefore be hoping that their key players return from international duty without any further setbacks.
The meeting with Manchester City at Anfield is expected to be one of the biggest games of Liverpool’s season, and the fitness of both squads could play a major role in determining the outcome.
For now, Solbakken’s comments suggest that Haaland’s withdrawal was more about fatigue than a serious injury.
But with the Anfield showdown getting closer, Liverpool supporters will be keeping a very close eye on every update surrounding the City striker.
Will Haaland be fit to face Liverpool at Anfield? 👀
The answer could have a huge impact on one of the most eagerly anticipated Premier League clashes of the season.
