Erling Haaland left the field due to injury in the 67th minute of the Nations League match against Portugal. Norway lost 2–1. Manchester City is keeping an eye on the fitness of Holland, who has scored seven goals, whose next match is against Liverpool.
Football: The injury to Norway's star striker Erling Haaland has increased Manchester City's worries. Norway suffered a 2-1 defeat in the Nations League Group A4 match against Portugal. In the 67th minute of the match, Holland called himself out of the field by pointing towards the bench.
Manchester City keeping an eye on Holland's injury
This news for Manchester City has come at a time when the club has to play a match against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. Haaland has scored seven goals so far this season and the club will be awaiting further information regarding the seriousness of his injury.
Haaland remained a threat for Norway for some time during the match, but he could not score against Portugal. He made an attempt, but his shot went wide of the target. After this, in the 67th minute he pointed towards the bench and in his place Jorgen Strand Larsen came on the field.
City worried before Liverpool match
Manchester City will now take the field for the Premier League match against Liverpool on Sunday. The club will wait for further information regarding Haaland's fitness.
The match will be particularly important for City, as it will be the first since the club was found guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. Manchester City has filed an appeal against this decision.
Portugal beat Norway 2-1
In the match played on Sunday, Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 and confirmed its place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League. This was Norway's third consecutive defeat in the competition.
Norway took the lead at the beginning of the match. In the 36th minute, Brentford defender Christopher Ajer controlled Martin Odegaard's cross with his chest and fired a brilliant half-volley from the edge of the box into the top corner.
Portugal equalized in two minutes
Norway's lead did not last long. Just two minutes later, Portugal equalized. After a long throw-in from Nuno Mendes, Joao Cancelo made a brilliant shot on the ball bouncing from outside the box and converted it into the goal. This goal by Cancelo brought the match to a 1-1 draw.
Holland missed the chance, then left the field
After the equaliser, Holland had a chance to give Norway the lead again. He attempted towards Portugal's goal, but his shot went wide of the target. Shortly after this, Holland indicated to leave the field. He was replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsson in the 67th minute.
After Holland left the field, Norway's attacking ability was also affected and Portugal increased the pressure in the last part of the match.
Goncalo Ramos led Portugal to victory
The decisive goal for Portugal was scored by Goncalo Ramos 11 minutes before the end of the match. Joao Felix's take-off was given by Ramos from close range to give Portugal a 2-1 lead.
This was Portugal's fourth consecutive win in the Nations League. With this win, the defending champions further strengthened their position in Group A4.
Portugal six points ahead
Now two matches are left in the group stage. Portugal is six points ahead of second-placed Denmark. Denmark defeated Wales 1-0 in their match. Norway, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the group. Now the next matches will be very important for the team, because after three consecutive defeats its position has become weak.
Portugal's third consecutive win without Ronaldo
Portugal played its third consecutive match against Norway without Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal's record goalscorer Ronaldo left the team camp last week after he was left out of the squad.
Regarding Ronaldo's absence, Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has said that he will discuss the matter with the 41-year-old star. Jesus said on Sunday that Ronaldo could return to the national team if he wanted to.
Road opened for Ronaldo's comeback
Jorge Jesus has made it clear that the doors to the national team are not closed for Ronaldo. He said that the final decision will be taken by Ronaldo himself.
Portugal has continued to perform brilliantly even without Ronaldo. The team defeated Norway to achieve its fourth consecutive win in the competition and made it to the quarter-finals.
Portugal had to face a setback at the end of the match
Despite Portugal's victory, the team suffered a setback in the last part of the match. Winger Francisco Conceição was sent off in the 87th minute.
He received two yellow cards in a short period of time for dissent and after this Portugal had to end the match with 10 players.
Difficult path ahead for Norway
Norway's third consecutive defeat has weakened its position in Group A4. The team is currently at the bottom of the group. The remaining matches will now be very important for Norway.
On the other hand, Portugal has strengthened its campaign and made it to the quarter-finals. The team's consecutive wins and six-point lead puts it in a strong position in the next stage.
Holland's fitness will be monitored
The biggest question about the match between Norway and Portugal is now about Holland's fitness. Manchester City are due to face Liverpool on Sunday and the club will await further information on his injury situation.
Haaland, who has scored seven goals this season, is an important part of City's attack. In such a situation, if his injury is serious then it can become a big concern for the club before the match against Liverpool. At present, detailed information regarding the seriousness of the injury is awaited.