Erling Haaland has handed Manchester City a huge injury scare after withdrawing from Norway's squad.
The striker, who on Saturday scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 rout of Burnley in the FA Cup, has complained of "pain in his groin", and will play no part of the upcoming friendlies against Spain and Georgia.
The Norwegian FA statement read: "Erling Braut Haaland had some pain in his groin after the match against Burnley. We hoped that this was just a familiarity that would carry over to Saturday. After doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia."
"It is better that he receives medical follow-up at the club", says national team doctor Ola Sand. "Haaland thus travels home from the national team meeting. Erling took it hard when he realized that he could not fight for the team.
"Fortunately, there is still plenty of self-confidence, talent and cohesion in this group to win points in the next matches."
It is a big concern for City in their final 11 games of the Premier League season as the reigning champions look to close a seven-point gap to title favourites Arsenal, win the FA Cup and Champions League.
City are next in action on April 1 as they welcome rivals Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium.
