Haaland to miss Netherlands friendly after full schedule: 'Best if he rests'

Erling Haaland with the League Cup trophy

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will miss Norway's friendly game against the Netherlands on Friday, with the star striker set to join the Norwegian squad later this week.

Haaland played all 90 minutes in Manchester City's 2-0 League Cup win over Arsenal on Sunday in what was his 48th match of the season. Since the start of the season, Haaland hasn't played in just six games for club or country.

Norway manager St5le Solbakken confirmed to Norwegian media outlet TV2 that Haaland will not play in Friday's game 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."

Norway, who qualified for their first FIFA World Cup since 1998, are set to play two friendly games in March, with Switzerland being the other opponent on March 31st in Oslo.

Erling Haaland's recent statistics