Haaland Injury Scare as Portugal Beat Norway to Seal Nations League Last-Eight Spot

Erling Haaland handed Manchester City a fresh injury concern after limping out of Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat against Portugal on Sunday.

The striker signalled towards the Norway bench before being substituted in the 67th minute of the Group A4 encounter. Jorgen Strand Larsen replaced him after Haaland appeared unable to continue.

The development will be closely watched by City, with Haaland having scored seven goals so far this season. The club are preparing to visit Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday in their first match since being found guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the competition’s financial regulations. City have lodged an appeal.

Haaland’s early departure added to a difficult evening for Norway, who suffered their third successive defeat in the Nations League.

Norway had made an encouraging start and went ahead after 36 minutes through Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer. Martin Odegaard delivered the ball into the area, where Ajer controlled it on his chest before producing a superb half-volley from the edge of the box into the top corner.

However, Norway’s advantage lasted only two minutes.

Joao Cancelo brought Portugal level with an equally impressive finish, smashing a bouncing ball into the net from a similar distance after Nuno Mendes’ long throw-in.

Haaland had an opportunity to restore Norway’s lead but dragged his effort wide before later leaving the field.

Portugal eventually completed the comeback with 11 minutes remaining. Joao Felix provided the lay-off for Goncalo Ramos, who stabbed the ball home from close range to secure Portugal’s fourth consecutive victory in the competition and confirm their place in the last eight.

The visitors finished with 10 men after Francisco Conceicao received two quick bookings for dissent and was sent off in the 87th minute.

Portugal were without Cristiano Ronaldo for a third consecutive match after the country’s record scorer left the national-team camp last week following his omission from the side.

Portugal boss Jorge Jesus said he intends to discuss the situation with the 41-year-old forward.

“If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team,” Jesus said on Sunday.

With two group matches remaining, defending Nations League champions Portugal hold a six-point advantage over second-placed Denmark, who defeated Wales 1-0. Norway remain bottom of the group after another damaging defeat.