Haaland Injury Scare Casts Shadow Over Man City

Top-rated striker Erling Haaland handed Manchester City a major scare after limping off during Norway’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League defeat at the hands of Portugal on Sunday, 4 October.

Haaland signalled to the bench and was replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen in the 67th minute, although he hobbled off the pitch unaided.

Despite Norway’s early lead via Kristoffer Ajer’s 36th-minute volley, Portugal’s Joao Cancelo levelled the score just two minutes later. Goncalo Ramos struck a late winner in the 79th minute.

As a result, Portugal tops Group D with 12 points; Norway occupies fourth place with three points.

As of Monday, 5 October, no official diagnosis for Haaland’s injury has been given, with media outlets attributing it to a suspected muscular issue. City’s medical staff are expected to assess the 26-year-old Norwegian national upon his return to Manchester.

The timing is a bitter blow, as City are scheduled to play against Liverpool this Sunday, 11 October, before hosting Paris Saint-Germain for their UEFA Champions League home game three days later (Wednesday, 14 October). Should Haaland be injured, the Citizens’ formidable attacking set-up will undoubtedly be weakened.

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