Erling Haaland forced off with injury as Stale Solbakken cites fatigue

Erling Haaland was forced off with an injury during Norway’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League, sparking immediate concern for Manchester City ahead of a crucial Premier League fixture against Liverpool. The 26-year-old striker signaled to the bench in the second half at Estádio do Dragão, leaving the pitch and casting doubt on his availability for club duties just one week later.

Physical Exhaustion and Heavy Workload Cited by Norway Boss

Norway manager Stale Solbakken revealed after the match that Haaland’s substitution on 67 minutes was the result of severe physical fatigue accumulated from playing every major fixture for club and country. Solbakken explained that several international players had resorted to renting private jets just to ensure they could immediately secure their mandatory few days of rest between demanding stretches.

“Erling is completely drained,” Solbakken told Dagbladet, detailing the intense strain placed upon elite athletes by modern football calendars. “Some of my players only got six or seven days off. And in a normal job, you don’t live by relying on your physical condition. After that, they go straight into the start of the season, followed by mini-tournaments, so this is an extreme load.”

Solbakken noted that coaching staff had debated starting Haaland from the bench against Portugal, but the forward resisted the idea due to prior negative experiences. “He has a very bad vibe and feeling about that because of a negative experience as a substitute in the League Cup,” Solbakken added, confirming that the striker insisted on starting despite his exhaustion.

Portugal Secures Quarterfinal Berth Without Cristiano Ronaldo

While Norway wrestled with fitness concerns, Portugal secured a 2-1 victory on Monday, October 5, 2026, to advance to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals with two group matches remaining. Playing at Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal claimed their fourth win.

Kristoffer Ajer opened the scoring for Norway in the 36th minute with a spectacular strike into the top corner following a pass from Martin Ødegaard. Portugal responded rapidly when João Cancelo collected a long throw-in from Nuno Mendes two minutes later and fired an accurate shot from the edge of the penalty area to level the score.

The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute when Gonçalo Ramos finished from close range following a low cross by João Félix. The victory extended Portugal’s unbeaten run against Norway, leaving the Nordic side searching for answers as their qualification campaign hangs in the balance.

Manchester City Faces Crucial Test Amid Injury Concerns

The timing of Haaland’s apparent injury presents a severe test for Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca as the squad prepares for an upcoming away fixture against rival Liverpool. Beyond the immediate fitness worries surrounding their primary goalscorer, the club's leadership continues to manage external pressures, including the ongoing scrutiny regarding Premier League financial charges.

Haaland had completed the first half against Portugal without requiring medical attention, appearing physically sound as the teams walked off level at 1-1. However, his second-half exit and subsequent limp left travelling staff and supporters anxious as the club heads into a defining stretch of the domestic campaign.