Manchester City hotshot Erling Haaland has been forced to withdraw from the Norway squad after picking up a groin problem.
The 22-year-old has returned to his club, where he has scored eight goals in his past two appearances, for further tests on the injury, which Norway say he picked up in the 6-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Burnley on Saturday.
Haaland will miss his nation's opening two Euro 2024 qualifiers away to both Spain and Georgia, and could now face a race against time to return for the resumption of the Premier League when Liverpool go to the Etihad Stadium for the 12.30pm kick-off on April 1, a crucial match for City in the title race as they currently sit eight points behind leaders Arsenal.
A statement from the Norway FA 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, but 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."
Norway went on to say that Haaland was disappointed to be missing out on his nation's first two qualifiers, but added that they hope to impress without him in the side.
"Erling took it hard when he realised that he could not fight for the team," their statement continued.
"Fortunately, there is still plenty of self-confidence, talent and cohesion in this group to win points in the next matches.
"We are not going to hang on one millimetre, but continue our work to be maximally prepared for Saturday and Tuesday, says national team manager Stale Solbakken."
As well as Spain and Georgia, Norway are joined in Group A by both Scotland and Cyprus as they bid to reach their first European Championships since 2000.
City face Liverpool in the Premier League on April 1 before going to Southampton the following weekend and then welcoming Bayern Munich to the Etihad for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 11.
Haaland, who scored five goals in the Champions League last-16 win over RB Leipzig, has scored 42 times during his first City season, and also has 21 goals in 23 senior international appearances.
