Norway manager Stale Solbakken claimed Erling Haaland was "completely empty" before being withdrawn against Scotland on Saturday.
The Manchester City striker put his country in front against the Scots as they looked to pick up a valuable three points. The score was still 1-0 when he left the field, but two late goals for Scotland turned the game on its head.
Haaland's goal from the penalty spot was his first in six games for club and country as the Premier League's top scorer saw his scoring dry up. Now, Solbakken's comments may come as a worry ahead of Tuesday's must-win game against Cyprus.
"He asked to be changed," Solbakken told reporters after the game, as translated by Goal. "We kept him on the pitch 10-12 minutes longer. In the last few minutes he was on the field, we played with one less man.
"He was completely empty. He has only played 60 minutes several times before. We're talking about it being 30 degrees, it's applied. He ran out of steam."
Norway had floundered in their first two qualifiers, losing in Spain and drawing away to Georgia. A home game offered a chance to kick-start their campaign, only for late goals from Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean to hand Scotland victory.
The result leaves Solbakken's team down on one point, compared to a maximum of nine for group leaders Scotland. The top two sides will qualify for Euro 2024, with Georgia and Spain both having more points than Norway despite playing one fewer game.
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Haaland's first season in English football exceeded even his own expectations. His 36 Premier League goals are a record for the competition, while he bagged a huge 52 in all competitions.
Those league goals helped City seal the title with time to spare. The former Dortmund striker didn't score in the final of the FA Cup or Champions League, but City won both games to complete the treble.
I didn’t expect it to be this good!" Haaland admitted. "I still expected to perform. I came into a team who won the Premier League the previous two years so to come here and perform I knew I was going to do. I was confident and also really happy, smiling a lot and enjoying myself."
"I am happy and humble," he said. "I know about it. I will feel it and understand it more after the season. I will think about what I have been doing.
"I really appreciate the support throughout the season and since I came here. It is important to appreciate people coming and supporting home and away. It is a really nice connection and I am enjoying it."
