Haaland Forced Off With Injury As Norway Lose To Portugal

Erling Haaland raised injury concerns after he was substituted during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal on Sunday night.

The Manchester City striker signalled to the Norway bench to be taken off in the 67th minute of the Group A4 match.

Haaland has scored seven goals this season, with Manchester City expected to await further information before travelling to Liverpool on Sunday for a Premier League game.

The fixture will be City’s first since the club was found guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. City have appealed the decision.

Norway’s defeat was their third consecutive loss in the Nations League, while Goncalo Ramos scored late to give Portugal victory and secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Portugal had to come from behind after Norway took the lead in the 36th minute. Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer controlled Martin Odegaard’s cross on his chest before striking a fine half-volley into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Portugal equalised two minutes later when Joao Cancelo hit a powerful bouncing shot from a similar distance after Nuno Mendes’ long throw-in.

Haaland had a chance to restore Norway’s lead but dragged his effort wide before being replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Ramos settled the match with 11 minutes remaining, finishing from close range after Joao Felix laid the ball off. It was Portugal’s fourth successive win in the competition.

Portugal ended the game with 10 men after winger Francisco Conceicao was sent off in the 87th minute for receiving two quick bookings for dissent.

It was Portugal’s third consecutive match without Cristiano Ronaldo. The country’s record scorer left the camp last week after being dropped.

Manager Jorge Jesus plans to discuss the situation with the 41-year-old forward and said on Sunday: “If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team.”

With two group-stage games remaining, defending Nations League champions Portugal are six points clear of second-placed Denmark, who beat Wales 1-0. Norway remain bottom of the group.