
Heavy Load Causes Haaland To Be Pulled Out, Says
October 7, 2026 · Portugal
Norway coach, Stale Solbakken, explained that the heavy burden Erling Haaland was carrying caused him to ask to be replaced in the Nations League match against Portugal, worrying about his physical condition.
Heavy load causes Haaland to be withdrawn, says
According to Soccernews.
Background
Erling Haaland, the main striker of Norway and Manchester City, has put in an impressive performance in the Nations League by scoring three goals. However, fatigue due to a busy schedule could affect his contribution to the club and national team, especially ahead of important matches in upcoming competitions.
Why this is important
Erling Haaland's condition became a major concern after the Norwegian coach, Stale Solbakken, revealed that the heavy workload was affecting his performance on the field. With Haaland having appeared in all Nations League matches and also at Manchester City, the impact of this fatigue could have an impact on the team's performance in the upcoming competition. These concerns also reflect the importance of maintaining the fitness of key players ahead of crucial stages of the season.
Main Points
- Heavy load caused Haaland to be withdrawn, said.
- Norwegian coach, Stale Solbakken, explained that the heavy burden carried by Erling Haaland caused him to ask to be replaced in the Nations League match against Portugal, worrying about his physical condition.
- Heavy workload led to Haaland substitution, says Solbakken.
The coach of the Norwegian national team, Stale Solbakken, revealed that the heavy workload experienced by Erling Haaland was the main reason the striker asked to be withdrawn against Portugal in the Nations League match. In the match which ended in a 1-2 defeat for Norway, Haaland signaled to the bench that he needed to be replaced and was finally withdrawn in the 67th minute.
Haaland has appeared in all four of his side's Nations League games during the long break, scoring three goals, although all those goals came in the first two games. Additionally, he has also started in all seven of Manchester City's matches across various competitions this season. This continued after he helped Norway advance to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Before being withdrawn against Portugal, Haaland did not appear to be moving freely. However, Solbakken attempted to calm injury concerns ahead of Haaland's return to Manchester City. "He felt tired against Wales," said Solbakken when asked about Haaland's condition. "That's why we had serious talks [on Saturday]. We discussed various possible options.
"He could probably play the last 45 minutes against Portugal. That's the discussion we had. But he had a very bad feeling about it. I'm really happy he was able to complete a good 60 minutes.

"He's part of the group that carries the heaviest workload — precisely because his team [City] plays in every tournament and he's a key player. It's tough. But we can't do anything about it. We just have to play the games we're called to. It's tough.
"For those who play in the Champions League and have a little time off, this is more brutal than anything else. Especially for players who didn't get a holiday this summer because of the World Cup and who have come a long way. We experienced that.
Currently, Norway is at the bottom of their Nations League group with just two points from four matches played. With two games remaining, they will host Wales before traveling to Denmark in November. "Our points collection is too bad," added Solbakken. “But there is nothing to solve.
"It's just a matter of continuing what we've done for a long time, and which has given us a lot of success. We will get more of that in the future if we have our best players with us."
What happened next
After being withdrawn against Portugal, Haaland is expected to rest before returning to Manchester City to continue domestic and European competitions. Coach Solbakken stated the importance of monitoring Haaland's physical condition so that he does not suffer further injury. With a busy schedule ahead, Haaland's workload management will be key to maintaining his performance at the highest level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the result of the Norway vs Portugal match?
Norway lost 1-2 to Portugal.
How many goals did Erling Haaland score in the Nations League?
Erling Haaland scored three goals in the Nations League.
What impact will this defeat have on Norway's position in the Nations League table?
The article does not mention the specific impact this defeat will have on Norway's position in the Nations League table.
When is Norway's next match after Portugal?
The article does not list Norway's next fixtures.
Why was Erling Haaland withdrawn against Portugal?
Haaland was withdrawn because he felt tired due to the heavy workload.
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