Erling Haaland has left the Norway camp just hours before their friendly against New Zealand.
The Manchester City striker continued his stunning scoring streak with a hat-trick against Israel on Saturday.
Erling Haaland reacts after missing two penalties for Norway
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Haaland is returning to Manchester early despite Norway having one more gameCredit: Getty
I spoke to Erling Haaland's dad about possible Arsenal switch when he was 17
However, he's now surprisingly departed international duty ahead of his country's second game of the break.
Fortunately for Man City fans though, it appears to have nothing to do with an injury.
Instead, Haaland's nation are letting certain players return to their clubs early due to the busy upcoming schedule.
The Norwegian FA have released a statement explaining the changes in their squad before the New Zealand clash on Tuesday.
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It reads: "Sebastian Sebulonsen is in the Norwegian national team squad, he and Sverre Nypan are participating in today's training.
"Players with particularly tight match schedules are returning home: Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Erling Braut Haaland and Fredrik Bjorkan. Felix Horn Myhre is leaving the squad due to a sore ankle."
So, alongside Haaland, Atletico Madrid's Sorloth and Borussia Dortmund's Ryerson have also departed the squad.
And, with 'tight match schedules' mentioned in the statement, it's likely referring to their upcoming European clashes.
All three players have a domestic game on Saturday and then a Champions League fixture on Tuesday.
They leave Norway ahead of their friendly after all starting against Israel and putting their country on the brink of a World Cup place.
Erling Haaland celebrating after scoring a goal for Norway
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Haaland scored a hat-trick but missed two penalties for Norway at the weekendCredit: Getty
Norway on the brink
Haaland's hat-trick continued his incredible scoring streak, extending his run to a goal in 10 straight games.
It also helped inspire a 5-0 win that made it six victories in a row for Norway in World Cup 2026 qualifying.
The Norwegians are six points clear at the top of Group I, winning every single game so far and boasting a +26 goal difference.
That was largely helped by an 11-1 thrashing of Moldova last month.
It means Haaland, Martin Odegaard and co. are closing in on a history-making qualification for the World Cup.
Norway have not played in the tournament since 1998 and haven't played in a major tournament at all in 25 years.
Erling Haaland misses a penalty for Norway
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Haaland has scored in 10 games in a row, with eight goals in his last two for NorwayCredit: Getty
Haaland's busy schedule
Man City will feel hugely grateful that Haaland has been permitted to leave the Norway camp early.
It will mean that their star forward will have extra time to be part of preparation for their clash against Everton.
Pep Guardiola's side host the Toffees this Saturday at 3pm, before then travelling to Spain in the Champions League.
City take on Villarreal in Europe the following Tuesday.
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Games against Aston Villa in the Premier League and Swansea in the Carabao Cup wrap up October in a busy end to the month.
The next international break will soon come around too, with Norway back in action on November 13 and 16.