Erling Haaland sparked injury fears for Manchester City after demanding to be substituted during Norway's 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal. The 26-year-old striker signalled to the bench in the 67th minute and was seen limping off, replaced by Crystal Palace's Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Haaland limps off in Portugal defeat
Haaland had come close to putting Norway ahead before falling to the floor. He later returned to the pitch at the Estadio do Dragao to applaud the fans, without his socks on.
Norway had taken the lead when Brentford's Kristoffer Ajer controlled Martin Odegaard's floated cross and struck a half-volley into the top corner. Minutes later, Joao Cancelo collected Nuno Mendes' long throw-in and smashed home to equalise in Portugal's first game since Cristiano Ronaldo left the camp to retire.
Ramos winner adds to Norway misery
Haaland went close for Norway just before his replacement. Then Goncalo Ramos, Ronaldo's successor, won the match for Portugal, poking in from close range after Joao Felix squared the ball with 11 minutes left.
There will be fears over whether Haaland will be fit enough to return for Manchester City's trip to Anfield on Sunday. That match is the first since the club were found guilty of all charges of breaching the Premier League's financial regulations. An independent commission found that City arranged 'sham contracts' and had been 'relying on sham agreements to artificially inflate the club's revenues and reduce its costs'.
City's financial verdict and Guardiola's response
City have been accused of artificially inflating the club's commercial revenue by £830 million between 2009 and 2018. Pep Guardiola broke his silence by backing City's owners and told supporters 'we will get through this together', and may even be present at the game to show his solidarity.
In a social media message this week, Guardiola posted a picture alongside City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and wrote: 'I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever.' He added: 'I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano, CEO], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear – we will get through this together. I love you all.'
