Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been released early from international duty with Norway, but not due to injury.
Haaland has returned to Manchester City ahead of schedule in order to rest before a demanding run of club fixtures.
The 25-year-old featured in Norway’s 5-0 win over Israel on Saturday, scoring a hat-trick to continue his strong international form. However, he will not be involved in Tuesday’s friendly against New Zealand in Oslo.
The Norwegian Football Association confirmed that several players were allowed to leave the squad early due to their congested schedules. A statement read:
“Players with particularly tight match schedules are returning home: Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Erling Braut Haaland and Fredrik Bjorkan.”
The decision is understood to be precautionary and not related to any injury concerns.
Haaland has made an impressive start to the 2025–26 season, scoring 12 goals in nine appearances for Manchester City and adding nine more in just three international games for Norway.
His early return comes as City prepare for a busy period that includes seven matches in 22 days across the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic competitions. Upcoming fixtures include games against Everton, Villarreal, Borussia Dortmund, Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Norway currently sit top of their World Cup qualifying group with six wins from six matches. Their next competitive fixture is in the November international window.
