Norway have called up Erling Haaland for two international fixtures next week, despite admitting there is 'uncertainty' over his foot injury.
Haaland returned after missing two-and-a-half games out with a bruised ligament in his foot against Fulham to fire the winning penalty in injury time at the Etihad on Saturday. However, Pep Guardiola admitted he is still 'not perfect' ahead of City's Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea this week and final pre-World Cup Premier League fixture against Brentford on Saturday.
Norway have not qualified for the World Cup, so have arranged two friendlies with Ireland and Finland on November 17 and 20, however, these fall outside of scheduled FIFA international dates for games of that nature, so clubs are under no obligation to release players for the games.
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Guardiola, though, said on Friday he would never stand in the way of a player representing their country, saying there is every chance Haaland's injury could recover in time for Norway's fixtures. Explaining his squad selection, Norway boss Stale Solbakken admitted Haaland may not be able to play both games - casting doubt over his involvement for City before the season takes a break.
"I spoke to Erling a few days ago at the latest," Solbakken said.
"His physical situation as of now is a bit uncertain, but we have in no way given up on him taking part in at least one of these matches. Then we'll see how the situation is after City have played two more games. Erling himself wants to play for the national team, so if he is healthy and fast then he will play."
Regarding the fact that Norway have arranged the friendlies outside the FIFA window, Solbakken assured clubs that player welfare will be a priority of their camp and confirmed they had been in contact with clubs like City.
"These are two private international matches that have been added to what are not international dates," he said. "We have tried to have a good dialogue with the clubs with a view to taking care of the players.
"We are going to work with the patterns we have been doing all along both defensively and offensively. Our next games are two tough away games in the EC qualifiers against Spain and Georgia, and we will do everything to leave this meeting with a good feeling."
Earlier Guardiola had given an update on Haaland's injury, saying he will be assessed ahead of the Chelsea and Brentford games.
“He is still not perfect. We will see tomorrow and on Saturday," the manager said.
"He is getting better. It’s important the bone is not broken, it’s not damaged, just ligament damage a little. It’s not perfect right now. In one week or 10 days anything can happen.
"If he feels good… playing for the national team is important for the players. I never avoid the players when they are going to play for the national team."
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