Haaland hobbles off for Norway, City sweat on fitness before Liverpool clash

Erling Haaland started for Norway on Sunday away at Portugal in their 2-1 defeat in the UEFA Nations League, but lasted only until the 67th minute in Porto. He had to come off and was seen hobbling, signaling to the bench that he couldn't continue, with Jorgen Strand Larsen coming on in his place.

The specific nature and severity of Haaland's injury are not confirmed.

This is the last thing Manchester City wanted heading into their massive game at Liverpool on Sunday, with Haaland their top goalscorer. City have won five from five to start the Premier League season and sit top of the table, but their title charge now carries an anxious wait over their most important attacker.

Haaland's early exit in Porto follows a grueling international break in which Norway beat Denmark 3-2 to open the window before losing three in a row. He failed to score in the last two games and has been running on empty, per www.nbcsports.com.

NORWAY'S TOUGH BREAK

Norway opened the break with a 3-2 win over Denmark before losing three in a row, per www.nbcsports.com. Haaland failed to score in the last two games and has been running on empty, according to the same source.

After the defeat in Porto, Norway head coach Stale Solbakken did not give a specific update on Haaland's injury. He said Haaland was going away on vacation for a few days after being given some days off by his club, as reported by www.nbcsports.com.

No confirmed details on the nature or severity of the issue have emerged. Solbakken instead focused on the intense amount of games Haaland has played, admitting the striker was tired against Wales and only available for 45-60 minutes against Portugal.