Man City striker Erling Haaland withdraws from Norway squad with groin injury

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has withdrawn from Norway's squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Spain and Georgia after picking up a groin injury.

The 22-year-old bagged a hat-trick in the Blues' 6-0 win over Burnley in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the weekend, but Haaland has picked up an issue that has forced him out of the national team squad.

A statement from the Norwegian FA confirmed that team doctors had advised for Haaland to return to City and receive medical follow-up at the club.

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Norway boss Stale Solbakken said: "Erling took it hard when he realised that he could not fight for the team. Fortunately, there is still plenty of self-confidence, talent and cohesion in this group to win points in the next matches. We are not going to hang on one millimetre, but continue our work to be maximally prepared for Saturday and Tuesday."

Solbakken's side clash with Spain on Saturday before coming up against Georgia just three days later, with Haaland - who has registered 21 goals in 23 international matches - now absent for both matches. The former Borussia Dortmund ace was substituted in the 62nd minute against Burnley having already scored a hat-trick.

His trio of goals against the Championship side took his season tally to 42 in all competitions, with the Blues star having already scored six hat-tricks this term. Pep Guardiola will be hopeful that Haaland will be available for City's next Premier League match, against Liverpool at the Etihad on April 1.

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