Norway Coach Stale Solbakken Puts Haaland's Health First

Haaland gets rest, Norway's World Cup prep takes priority

Manchester City star Erling Haaland to miss Norway's friendly against Netherlands. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken confirms Haaland won't play in Amsterdam as part of rotation strategy.

Erling Haaland given break as Norway prepares for World Cup 2022 with friendly matches ahead...

Erling Haaland won't be playing for Norway in their friendly match against the Netherlands on Friday. The Manchester City striker is getting some much-needed rest after playing 90 minutes in City's 2-0 League Cup win over Arsenal on Sunday, which was his 48th match of the season.

Haaland has been in top form, missing only six games for club and country since the start of the season. Norway manager Stale Solbakken decided it's best for Haaland to take a break, citing the player's heavy workload and the importance of him being fit for the World Cup this summer.

Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has confirmed that Erling Haaland won't be playing in Friday's friendly against the Netherlands in Amsterdam. “We have taken into account the overall strain Erling has been under for a long time and have come to the conclusion that the best solution for everyone is for him to get the rest he needs now,” Solbakken said.

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Haaland, who recently won the Carabao Cup with Manchester City, is set to rejoin the Norway squad for their match against Switzerland on March 31st in Oslo. Norway qualified for their first FIFA World Cup since 1998, and Solbakken's decision to rest Haaland is likely aimed at preparing him for the tournament.