Manchester City will return from Porto with concern around Erling Haaland after the Norwegian striker left his Nations League match against Portugal with an apparent physical problem, only a week before the trip to Liverpool.
A worrying night at the Dragao
Haaland asked to be taken off in the 67th minute at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao, with Norway level at 1-1 against Portugal. The City forward had appeared uncomfortable before signalling that he could not continue.
- Haaland was replaced by Strand Larsen in the second half.
- Portugal went on to win the Nations League fixture 2-1.
- The Norway captain was able to leave the pitch without assistance, offering some encouragement over the seriousness of the issue.
Anfield deadline approaches
The timing is awkward for Manchester City, whose next major domestic appointment is a Premier League visit to Anfield. Liverpool await in just seven days, leaving little room for recovery if Haaland’s discomfort develops into an absence.
City will now assess their leading scorer after his return from international duty. His ability to walk off under his own power provides a measure of optimism, but the short gap before the Liverpool match means the situation will be watched closely in Manchester.
