Manchester City striker Erling Haaland appears relaxed after being released early from international duty. The Norwegian raised alarm bells about a possible spell on the treatment table after he was allowed to leave Stale Solbakken’s squad.
Haaland maintained his blistering form during the World Cup qualifying campaign after bagging a hat-trick in a 5-0 triumph over Israel, despite missing two spot-kicks during the match. However, he was permitted to depart international duty before their friendly against New Zealand with the 25-year-old among several players granted leave to return to their clubs.
The Norwegian FA confirmed: “Sebastian Sebulonsen is in the Norwegian national team squad, he and Sverre Nypan are participating in today’s training. Players with particularly tight match schedules are returning home: Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Erling Braut Haaland and Fredrik Bjorkan.
“Felix Horn Myhre is leaving the squad due to a sore ankle.” Nevertheless, Haaland utilised his break by hitting the golf course, which was disclosed in a collection of fresh pictures uploaded to his Instagram account, with a caption that simply said: “Golf!”
The striker posed with a striking pink driver and seemed to be relishing some family time as his father, Alf-Inge, beamed in the background. Haaland has spectacularly rediscovered his touch and leads the way in the Premier League’s golden boot chase with nine strikes in seven outings.
His scorching comeback has earned him a fourth Premier League Player of the Month award. The Norwegian star expressed his joy at helping City get back on track, as they now trail leaders Arsenal by just three points.
“September was an important month for us as a team. We played some really good football, stayed unbeaten, and got important wins for our fans. I’m happy I could help the team with goals and performances,” Haaland stated.
“Now we just keep going – keep working hard every day, because there’s a tough schedule after the international break. Hopefully we can keep the same level and win even more games.”
City return to action this weekend when they host Everton as they look to keep the pressure on the early pace-setters and move into the top four. It has been a mixed start for Pep Guardiola’s side, winning four, drawing one and losing two of their opening seven.
The Citizens, thus far, have been toiling to return to the heights that they set under the Catalan tactician, which saw them win four consecutive Premier League crowns, as well as a treble. They relinquished control of their top-flight crown last season with Arne Slot capitalising in his debut season.
It could be another three-horse race for the title but City will need to ensure they limit the blips in order to keep pace. Arsenal have finished runners-up in each of the last three seasons.