Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has pulled out of the Norway squad for their opening Euro 2024 qualifiers through injury, meaning the 22-year-old will miss Norway's games against Spain and Georgia in Group A. Haaland picked up a groin problem after scoring a hat-trick in City's 6-0 thrashing of Burnley in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday. Haaland could now face a race against time to return for the resumption of the Premier League when Liverpool go to the Etihad Stadium for the 12.30pm kick-off on April 1, a crucial match for City in the title race as they currently sit eight points behind leaders Arsenal. City face Liverpool on April 1 before going to Southampton the following weekend and then welcoming Bayern Munich to the Etihad for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 11. Erling took it hard when he realised that he could not fight for the team, said Norway coach Stale Solbakken. Fortunately, there is still plenty of self-confidence, talent and cohesion in this group to win points in the next matches. Norway national team doctor Ola Sand added: After doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it for the games against Spain and Georgia. It is better that he receives medical follow-up at his club. Haaland has scored 21 goals in 23 appearances for Norway since making his debut as a 19-year-old in September 2019. Haaland scored five goals in the Champions League last-16 win over RB Leipzig. He has scored 42 times during his first City season, and also has 21 goals in 23 senior international appearances. Pep Guardiola's side are second in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand, and play Liverpool next at Etihad Stadium on 1 April. They also face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals and Championship side Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next month.
