Man City and Norway forward Erling Haaland is an injury concern for Manchester City ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool after the striker limped off during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat by Portugal.

As reported by BBC Sport on Sunday, Haaland signalled to the bench and was substituted in the 67th minute, with Jørgen Strand Larsen coming on in his place. The nature and severity of the injury are yet to be confirmed.

The setback comes at an important time for City, who travel to Liverpool on Sunday.

Haaland has scored seven goals so far this season and will be a major concern for manager Enzo Maresca if he is unable to recover in time.

Haaland had earlier gone close for Norway, dragging an effort wide, but could not help his side avoid a third consecutive Nations League defeat.

Norway took the lead in the 36th minute when Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer controlled Martin Ødegaard’s cross on his chest before firing a superb half-volley into the top corner.

Portugal responded almost immediately, with João Cancelo smashing a shot into the net from the edge of the box two minutes later.

Gonçalo Ramos then completed the comeback with 11 minutes remaining, stabbing home from close range following a lay-off from João Félix.

Portugal finished the match with 10 men after Francisco Conceição was sent off in the 87th minute for two quick bookings for dissent.

The victory secured Portugal’s place in the Nations League quarter-finals, while Norway remain bottom of the group with two matches left.

Manchester City will now await further updates on Haaland’s condition before Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool.

Source: punchng.com

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The Portuguese Football Federation has reaffirmed its support for Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued involvement with the national team, with president Pedro Proença describing the veteran forward as an icon of Portuguese football.

Proença on PFF’sX handle on Monday, said Ronaldo remains an important part of the national team whenever he is fit and available.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in history. He has dedicated more than two decades to Portuguese football and is the ultimate symbol of Portuguese identity,” Proença said.

He also defended Ronaldo’s place in the squad, insisting that his selection is justified by his performances.

“His presence with the national team is well-deserved thanks to his exceptional sporting abilities, and this is undeniable. He will always remain part of this group whenever he is fit and ready,” he added.

Proença also addressed the reported disagreement between Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, describing the situation as a misunderstanding that should be handled internally.

“What happened between him and Jorge Jesus was simply a misunderstanding that needs to be resolved internally,” Proença said.

The federation president stressed that Ronaldo remains firmly connected to the national team, pointing to his role as captain in the first of Portugal’s four matches.

“Cristiano is part of the national team; he is our icon, and he captained the team in the first of the four matches,” Proença said.

According to Proença, Ronaldo’s decision to continue representing Portugal reflects his strong attachment to the national team.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese icon and an exceptional player. He could have ended his career at the World Cup, but he didn’t because of his love for his national team,” he said.

Proença added that he has personally witnessed the relationship between Ronaldo, the Portuguese public and the national team.

“I can attest to the bond he shares with the Portuguese people and our national team,” he said.

With the four matches now completed, Proença believes there is an opportunity for Ronaldo and Jesus to resolve their differences.

“Now that the four matches are over, we have the time and calm to sit down together and resolve the misunderstanding,” he said.

Proença concluded by reiterating that Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s football legacy and that his future with the national team remains open.

“Cristiano is part of our legacy, and he will always be here whenever the coach wants him,” he said.

Source: punchng.com

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Portugal coach Jorge Jesus insisted on Monday that the recent controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s unused warm-up against Norway only escalated because of the forward’s status as a national icon.

Speaking after Portugal’s Nations League match on Sunday, Jesus said the issue had been blown out of proportion and should not damage their working relationship.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Monday, Jesus was quoted as saying, “In my opinion, you can’t hold a one-year friendship against someone over a situation that is difficult to understand,” Jesus stated.

He added: “Just because it was him. Just because it was him, and perhaps rightly so, because he is a symbol, this whole issue of warming up and not warming up, coming on and not coming on, has been created.”

Jesus pointed out that similar situations occur regularly without attracting attention. “How many players warmed up today and didn’t come on? How many? Is there going to be a problem with any of them? No.”

The comments come after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp last week following a 2-1 win over Norway in which he was sent to warm up for a lengthy period in the second half but was never introduced. The 41-year-old had started the previous match against Wales before being substituted.

Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, has repeatedly described the episode as a misunderstanding rather than a lasting rift. He has left the door open for the captain’s possible return in future squads, saying the matter is easy to resolve if Ronaldo wishes to continue with the national team.

The coach maintained that no player is above the team’s needs and that decisions on the pitch remain his responsibility.

Source: punchng.com

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