Erling Haaland returned to Manchester City early after scoring a hat-trick for Norway, as the striker was rested before the next friendly.
Erling Haaland has been released early from international duty and will return to Manchester City ahead of schedule, following Norway’s 5-0 win over Israel on Saturday.
The 24-year-old striker scored a hat-trick in the World Cup qualifier, despite missing two early penalties, taking his tally to 51 goals in 46 appearances for his country — the fastest any player has reached 50 international goals, surpassing Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Pele.
Norway’s football association confirmed that players with “tight match schedules” — including Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, and Fredrik Bjorkan — were allowed to return to their clubs before Tuesday’s friendly against New Zealand. “Sebastian Sebulonsen is in the Norwegian national team squad, he and Sverre Nypan are participating in today’s training,” the FA added.
City fans have little reason for concern, as Haaland’s withdrawal is believed to be precautionary rather than injury-related. The forward is expected to be available when City resume Premier League action next weekend.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Sverre Nypan, who joined City from Rosenborg in a £12.5m summer move and currently plays on loan at Middlesbrough, could make his senior Norway debut against New Zealand.
Norway sit top of their World Cup qualifying group with six straight wins, ahead of November fixtures against Estonia and Italy.