Norway manager reveals Haaland reaction to injury

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has withdrawn from the Norway squad ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Spain and Georgia during the international break

Arsenal lead the way in the Premier League title race and have been handed a huge boost following the news of Manchester City star Erling Haaland's groin injury. The 22-year-old striker has withdrawn from Norway's squad and will return to Manchester, missing the upcoming fixtures against Spain and Georgia during the international break.

Arsenal fans have theorised that City had planned to 'fake' Haaland's injury to allow him to return to the Etihad Stadium and recover ahead of a crucial end to the season. Haaland has scored a ridiculous 42 goals in just 37 appearances in all competitions this season for Pep Guardiola's side.

Haaland took the news of his injury 'hard' as he now returns home from the national team ahead of City's clash against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, April 1. Norway manager Stale Solbakken said: "Erling [Haaland] took it hard when he realized that he could not fight for the team.

"Fortunately, there is still plenty of self-confidence, talent and cohesion in this group to win points in the next matches. We are not going to hang on one millimetre, but continue our work to be maximally prepared for Saturday and Tuesday."

A statement from the Norwegian Football Federation read: "Erling Braut Haaland had some pain in his groin after the match against Burnley. We hoped that this was just a familiarity that would carry over to Saturday.

"After doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia."

Haaland is set to begin his recovery from a groin injury immediately as he aims to recover in time for face Jurgen Klopp's side. A timeline has yet to be placed on his return to Guardiola's squad.