Moncer In Manchester City, Erling Haaland Injured When Needed By The Norwegian National Team

Manchester City player and Norwegian national team, Erling Haaland. (Photo: Twitter @ManCity)

JAKARTA Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is confirmed to be absent from defending his country in the opening match of the Euro 2024 qualification due to a groin injury.

The injury occurred when he scored a hat-trick to help Manchester City win 6-0 over Burnley in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, March 19.

"Erling Braut Haaland still feels pain at the base of his thigh after the match against Burnley," read a statement by the Norwegian football federation, reported by Eurosport.

In the match against Burnley, the former Borussia Dortmund player was unable to play fully due to the injury. He was pulled off the pitch in the 63rd minute replaced by Cole Palmer.

The test results then showed the 22-year-old was injured at the groin. This injury left him absent for at least a week.

"After testing and examination yesterday, it became clear that he would not feature in the match against Spain and Georgia," continued Norway's statement.

Haaland has performed well with The Citizens by scoring 42 goals in 37 games this season for City. He has also netted 21 goals for Norway, but has not helped his country qualify for a major tournament.

Norway began qualifying for the 2024 European Cup against Spain on Sunday, March 26, following against Georgia two days later.

In its history, Norway only qualified for the European Cup once, namely in 2000. Their journey at that time was immediately stopped in the group stage after finishing in third place from four teams.