18th November, 2023
Erling Haaland will sit out Norway’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Scotland on Sunday at Hampden Park due to a foot problem.
The Manchester City striker took a blow to his foot on Thursday when Norway beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 in a friendly in Oslo.
In statement from Norway’s FA, team doctor Ola Sand said: “The injury is not serious, but he is in so much pain and somewhat restricted function that the Scotland game unfortunately comes a little too early.”
Norway boss Stale Solbakken said: “It is of course a shame that Erling will not be ready for the match on Sunday, but we will not be bringing in a replacement.
“This is a great opportunity for the offensive players in the squad to show off.”
Premier League leaders City return to action after the international break by hosting Liverpool — a point behind in second place — on November 25.
He tweeted: “Unfortunately, I am missing tomorrow’s game against Scotland. Wishing the boys all the best. Now treatment and trying to get back asap.”
Haaland, scorer of 52 goals for City in their treble-winning campaign last season, has netted 17 times in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s men so far this term.
The striker has stayed remarkably fit since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, missing just three games through injury since the start of last season.
Norway are also without captain Martin Odegaard for the visit to Hampden, with the Arsenal star still nursing a hip injury.
Automatic qualification for Euro 2024 next summer is already out of the question for Norway but the visitors can boost their play-offs hopes by winning without their talismanic duo.