Why Erling Haaland Norway Withdrawal Won’t Worry Manchester City

Erling Haaland’s Norway withdrawal this week should not overly concern Manchester City.

That is, according to the Norwegian FA who released a short statement regarding a number of their players who pulled out for the coming game against New Zealand tomorrow evening.

Haaland stuck a hattrick into the back of the net in his side’s whopping 5-0 victory over Israel last weekend, despite missing two penalties in the process.

The big striker is one of the best in the world and Norway will always miss a star of his calibre, regardless of opposition.

Given, however, the nature of the fixture on Tuesday being a friendly clash, Haaland was among several Norwegians granted permission to depart the set-up to return to their clubs.

The FA issued a statement confirming their decision.

Erling Haaland withdraws from Norway squad

They wrote: “Sebastian Sebulonsen is in the Norwegian national team squad, he and Sverre Nypan are participating in today’s training.

“Players with particularly tight match schedules are returning home: Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Erling Braut Haaland and Fredrik Bjorkan.

“Felix Horn Myhre is leaving the squad due to a sore ankle.”

It means Haaland’s withdrawal is purely a precautionary measure due to the schedule he has with both domestic duties in the Premier League and cup competitions as well as in the Champions League.

Haaland has started the season on fire for City with 12 goals and an assist from just nine appearances as he continues to make history for his club.

But he also made history for his country, too, against the Israelis.

Haaland became the fastest player in history to reach 50 international strikes for his country.

The 24-year-old managed the incredible feat before the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona.

Man City’s next four matches are a combination of three different competitions to take part in against Everton, Villarreal, Aston Villa and Swansea City respectively.

Manchester City’s next fixtures and why they need Haaland

And these fixtures will undoubtedly test the Citizens and Pep Guardiola in different ways.

That is why they need a fit and firing Haaland and is one reason City requested to have their top star back in training to prepare for their coming games.

Their argument would presumably be that Norway’s coming friendly vs the Kiwis is nothing more than a box ticking fixture to fill the calendar and does not need the fire power Haaland provides.

Ståle Solbakken, the Norway manager, would have had to greenlight the request but he will have been ecstatic with his side’s recent results and form.

His Norway squad currently sit top of their World Cup qualifying group with a staggering 100 percent record of 18 points from 18.

They lead Italy in the standings with 29 goals scored and only three conceded.