**Norway boss Stale Solbakken has revealed that he planned to bench Erling Haaland for the 2-1 defeat to Portugal on Sunday night.**
The Man City striker was feeling fatigued before the game, but Solbakken claims that the 26-year-old wanted to be named in the starting eleven:
“He (Haaland) was tired against Wales. That’s why we had a heart-to-heart conversation yesterday. We went through the possible options”
“He might have played the last 45 minutes against Portugal. That was a discussion. But he has very bad vibes and feelings about it… I am very pleased that he managed to pull out 60 good minutes.”
Did Haaland pick up an injury against Portugal?
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The forward was seen limping off the pitch when he was replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen with 25 minutes remaining in Porto.
Solbakken brushed over whether Haaland was in fact injured, while suggesting that the withdrawal was pre-planned.
That explanation does conflict slightly with how the player left the field, but it should be pointed out that he stayed on the bench following the substitution, rather than heading down the tunnel to undergo a medical examination.
Will he be fit when Man City face Liverpool?
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It appears as if fans will have to wait for confirmation from the club to discover whether Haaland has picked up a knock of some kind.
We will probably get an indication either way if the Norwegian international takes part in training with the rest of his teammates later this week.
Head coach Enzo Maresca will also be asked about Haaland’s fitness at his pre-match press conference prior to the [**trip to Anfield**](https://mancitynews.com/man-city-news-gary-neville-liverpool-match-reception/) on Sunday.
If the striker is not available, it raises questions about who will play up front against Liverpool. Haaland is the only recognised No.9 in the first-team squad.
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