Manchester City striker Erling Halaand faces a race against time to be fit to face Liverpool on April 1 after he was forced to withdraw from the Norway squad.
The Premier League's top goalscorer was due to represent his country in matches against Spain and Georgia this week. But the Norwegian FA have confirmed that the prolific marksmen has now been sent home due to a groin injury.
Liverpool will visit City when the international break draws to a close, to play the first of three huge successive fixtures against Pep Guardiola's side, Chelsea and Arsenal, in a period that could make or break the Reds' hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.