Norway manager Stale Solbakken has explained that Erling Haaland will miss the upcoming game against Republic of Ireland after a decision was made in collaboration with Manchester City.
The 22-year-old has been in scintillating form for Pep Guardiola's side this season, with the prolific frontman registering 23 goals and three assists in 18 appearances in all competitions. However, Haaland has been struggling with a foot injury in recent weeks and missed the games against Sevilla and Leicester City.
While the forward will not feature for his country against Republic of Ireland on Thursday, he could play in the friendly against Finland on Sunday.
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Norway failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, but will play two friendlies this week. Solbakken will be without a number of first-team players, including Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Joshua King, Kristoffer Ajer and Andreas Hanche-Olsen
"Erling has had a few troubled weeks (with injury)," the Norway manager said on Haaland's withdrawal. "We have been in dialogue with Manchester City until the end.
"Based on the overall situation, the conclusion was that he is better trying to make it for the second match against Finland at home on Sunday.
"Everyone has seen how it has been lately for Erling. City have not used him unless they absolutely had to. He played the last 25 minutes against Fulham, nothing against Copenhagen and Sevilla. He's still not quite there."
Haaland has scored 18 goals in 13 Premier League appearances since arriving at the Etihad Stadium from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, including three hat-tricks.
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