Erling Haaland injury fears eased ahead of Liverpool v Manchester City

Erling Haaland is not injured and was substituted as part of a pre-planned agreement, Norway manager Stale Solbakken has said, easing Manchester City’s concerns a week before the Premier League resumes and their meeting with Liverpool.

Haaland asked to come off during Norway’s match against Portugal, prompting concern because of his importance to Manchester City and the timing of the fixture. The striker was also seen limping in some footage, but Solbakken confirmed there was no injury behind the decision.

The Norway manager said Haaland had been scheduled to play slightly more than an hour because of accumulated fatigue. His early departure had been discussed in advance between the player and coaching staff.

“He played the full 90 minutes twice against Denmark and Portugal, and in the first match he was tired against Wales, so we had a frank conversation on Saturday,” Solbakken said after the game.

“We went through all the possible scenarios,” he added, explaining that the intention was to reduce Haaland’s minutes and prevent further fatigue before he returned to Manchester City.

Haaland’s withdrawal came one week before the Premier League’s return and the much-anticipated clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.