Haaland still not fully fit and will miss Ireland clash

BeSoccer 1 year ago 1.1k |

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Haaland still has an ankle issue. AFP

Norway confirmed that Erling Haaland will not be able to play against Ireland in a friendly in Dublin between the two teams. The reason is that the Man City player still has issues in his ankle. He is expected to take the field in the next friendly, which is against Finland.

Norway, who will not be in the World Cup in Qatar, have two friendlies for this month. The first will be against Ireland on 17th November and the second is against Finland on 20th. Erling Haaland, the team's main star, is confirmed out for the clash in Dublin although he should be available for the next game, which will see Norway be at home.

Molde goalkeeper Jacob Karlstrom will not play in the first friendly either although his absence has not attracted as much attention. It is well know that Haaland is the main attraction for Norway when it comes to ticket sales and advertising. Therefore, it is not good for the Norwegian that he is absent.

"Erling Braut Haaland and Jacob Karlstrom will not join the national team in Dublin. As it stands today, they will join the team ahead of the Finland game. Kristian Thorstvedt broke his toe and he is unavailable for the team. Mads Hedenstad Christiansen and Sivert Heggheim Mannsverk come in," the statement on social media says.

Man City are looking calmly at this problem for Haaland because logic suggests that he will be 100% for when City return to action. This will happen ahead of the Carabao Cup last 16 clash against Liverpool. That fixture will take on 22nd December, four days after the World Cup final.