Manchester City striker Erling Haaland looks relaxed after being released from international duty early. The Norwegian warned of the possibility of being on the treatment table after being allowed to leave the Staare Solbakken squad.
Haaland continued his form during World Cup qualifying, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Israel, despite missing two spot-kicks during the match. However, the 25-year-old was among several players allowed to leave international duty ahead of the friendly against New Zealand and granted time off to return to the club.
The Norwegian FA confirmed: “Sebastian Sevronsen is a member of the Norwegian national team and he and Sverre Nypan are taking part in today’s training. Players with particularly demanding match schedules – Alexander Soros, Julian Ryerson, Erling Braut Haaland and Fredrik Bjorkan – have returned home.”
“Felix Horn Maile leaves the team due to ankle pain.” Nevertheless, Haaland used the break to go to the golf course, as shown in a fresh photo album uploaded to his Instagram account with the caption “Golf!”
The striker appeared to be enjoying time with his family as he posed with his striking pink driver and his father Alf Inge smiled in the background. Haaland has brilliantly rediscovered his touch and is leading the charge for the Premier League Golden Boot with nine goals in seven games.
His enthusiastic comeback earned him his fourth Premier League Player of the Month award. The Norway star expressed his delight at helping City get back on track, currently trailing leaders Arsenal by three points.
“September was an important month for us as a team. We played really good football and remained unbeaten and got an important win for our fans. I’m happy to be able to contribute to the team with goals and performances,” said Haaland.
“Right now we just have to keep moving forward. We have a tough schedule after the international break so we’ll keep working hard every day. Hopefully we can maintain the same level and win more games.”
City return to action this weekend when they host Everton at home as they aim to keep the pressure on their early pacers and progress into the top four. It was a rocky start for Josep Guardiola’s side, who won four of their opening seven games, drew one and lost two.
So far, the Citizens have worked hard to return to the heights they built under the Catalan tactician, winning four consecutive Premier League titles and a treble. They relinquished their top-flight title last season after Arne Slott excelled in his debut season.
It could once again be a three-horse race for the title, but City will need to make sure they limit the blip to keep pace. Arsenal have finished runners-up in each of the past three seasons.
