Concerns arose about the fitness of the Manchester City striker after footage emerged showing him limping noticeably after training on Tuesday.
Pep Guardiola had dispatched Haaland to Norway, cautioning City’s players to approach their friendly matches this week with care, considering the upcoming intense competitive fixtures upon their return to Manchester.
Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, downplayed any worries about Haaland’s condition, and the striker himself has confirmed that he is not injured.
Speaking to the press ahead of the friendly, Haaland told TV2: “I’m feeling fine. I didn’t miss the training. I don’t know who wrote that. I completed the entire training session.
I feel good and am ready to play in the match.” Manager Stale Solbakken has assured that Haaland will be in the starting lineup for the game unless there are any injury concerns.
Haaland was only addressing questions related to Norway, as instructed by the Norwegian FA, but he did provide a polite response when comparing his City teammate Kevin De Bruyne to compatriot and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, stating that he enjoys playing with both.
Additionally, Haaland shared a parting joke from City manager Guardiola, who jokingly warned the squad not to return from the break fatigued.
“He said, ‘If one of you comes back not fresh, I will come after you,’ and smiled,” the forward recounted.