Manchester City may have avoided a serious headache, but another issue has arisen
In the 67th minute of Norway’s 2-1 loss to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League fixture, everyone associated with Manchester City held their breath. Erling Haaland indicated to the Norway bench that he needed to be substituted. The first thought was that Haaland had picked up an injury, which would be a huge blow for Manchester City. However, those fears have been put to bed following Norway’s loss to Portugal. However, there is another issue that has arisen out of the situation surrounding Haaland. It is one that City will have to monitor from this point onwards.
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has explained that Erling Haaland is suffering from fatigue.
Speaking after his team were beaten 2-1 by Portugal, Norway’s manager Ståle Solbakken was asked why Erling Haaland was substituted in the 67th minute of the match. Solbakken explained that Haaland was suffering from fatigue. Solbakken added that it was agreed that Manchester City’s number nine was set to play 60 minutes against Portugal. In quotes relayed by Dagbladet, Solbakken explained: “Today he played 60 good minutes, he played twice 90 minutes against Denmark and Portugal (first match).”
“He was tired against Wales. That’s why we had a heart-to-heart talk yesterday. There we went through what could be the possibilities.“
“He could have played the last 45 minutes against Portugal. There was a discussion. But he has very bad vibes and feelings about it. He has experienced being put in the league cup. It hasn’t been all over the world. I’m very happy that he managed to dig out 60 good minutes.“
Also, Ståle Solbakken told the media that Erling Haaland, and several of his Norwegian teammates left the stadium early for a small period of rest. Solbakken added that a host of the Norwegian players are fatigued after having no time off after last summer’s World Cup. Solbakken said: “It wasn’t just Haaland who left early. There’s a whole bunch of people leaving now. They need a breather. They have been given a few days off from their club.“
“But when they have the opportunity to book a private plane, I understand that they do it when they have two or three days off. You have to remember that the teams that went far in the World Cup have many players who have had minimal vacation. Then it’s right to the start of the series and then a mini-tournament. It’s an extreme strain.“
Manchester City will have to manage Erling Haaland’s work load from this point onwards.
Firstly, it seems like Manchester City have dodged the bullet that would be an injury to Erling Haaland. That in itself is good news for Enzo Maresca’s side. Haaland is one of City’s most important players and they will not want to lose him to injury for any period of time. It would seem that has been avoided based on Ståle Solbakken’s post-game comments.
However, there is another issue at hand. Erling Haaland is clearly fatigued. It is only early in the 2026-27 season, but Haaland, like many other players, had a busy summer due to his participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Manchester City will have to manage Haaland’s minutes throughout this season. He cannot be expected to play every minute of every match and Enzo Maresca and the City fitness staff will have to formulate a way to manage Haaland’s fatigue. It is imperative that they given how crucial Haaland is to Manchester City’s prospects this season.
Erling Haaland looks to have avoided injury which is good news for Manchester City. However, he is suffering from fatigue so early in the season. Managing Haaland and his fatigue is a major priority for the City fitness staff. It is a job they have to get done to ensure that Haaland is fit and firing for Enzo Maresca’s side this season.
