Erling Haaland downplayed concerns regarding a possible injury during Norway’s training session this week, and also shared a message he received from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before heading off for international duty.
Haaland has joined up with the Norwegian national team ahead of friendly matches against the Czech Republic on Friday and Slovakia next Tuesday.
Despite footage showing Haaland in apparent discomfort during training, the Norwegian team doctor stated afterward that there were no fitness issues with the striker. Addressing reporters at a news conference in Oslo on Thursday, Haaland assured that he was “feeling fine.”
“I didn’t leave the training session — I’m not sure who reported that,” he stated in English. “I completed the full training session, and I feel good and prepared for the upcoming match.”
Guardiola will be keeping a close eye on Haaland’s fitness during Norway’s matches, given City’s packed schedule after the international break as they pursue success in the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
City’s first fixture back after the break is against Arsenal on March 31, a crucial game in their Premier League title race. Haaland, the top scorer in the league last season and this season so far, has previously missed a significant chunk of the current campaign due to a foot injury.
Speaking about Guardiola’s message, Haaland shared with Norwegian newspaper VG, “The only thing Pep said was, ‘If you’re not well when you come back, I’ll come after you.'”
Haaland also acknowledged the challenge of balancing club and international commitments, especially with the international break occurring at a crucial juncture in the domestic season.
“It’s rewarding to represent the national team,” Haaland expressed to VG. “However, facing Arsenal next weekend compared to playing the Czech Republic at home is different. I won’t deny that. There’s a significant difference.”
“But what can you do? The schedule is packed with as many games as possible. That seems to be the objective,” he added. Norway, meanwhile, has not qualified for the upcoming European Championship to be held in Germany this summer.
