7M - Norway manager confirms Erling Haaland to be handed special treatment during international break to manage physical workload

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been granted a unique period of rest and recovery by Norway head coach Stale Solbakken, following a demanding stretch of domestic and European football. The decision to provide the 25-year-old with special treatment comes at a critical juncture in the 2025 2026 campaign, as Solbakken looks to balance the players international commitments with the physical requirements of his club career. Despite Haalands central role in Norways attacking lineup the coaching staff has concluded that the best course of action is to limit his involvement in the upcoming friendly fixtures against the Netherlands and Switzerland. This strategic move is designed to alleviate the pressure on the forward who has faced a relentless schedule and minor fitness concerns throughout February and March.

Solbakken explained that the decision was based on a thorough assessment of Haalands overall load, noting that the player has been under immense physical and mental strain for a significant period. The Norway manager emphasized that while it is always a priority to have Haaland on the pitch his long term health and readiness for the 2026 World Cup are of far greater importance. As a result Haaland is expected to participate in at most one of the two scheduled international matches with the staff hoping he can feature in front of the home supporters at the Ullevaal Stadium. For Manchester City and Pep Guardiola this news provides a welcome sense of relief as they prepare for a season defining run of fixtures in April including high stakes clashes in both the Premier League and the FA Cup.

The report also touches upon Haalands recent form which has seen a slight dip in his characteristic goal scoring output despite Manchester Citys ongoing success. Having found the net only twice in his last ten appearances across all competitions the Norwegian forward has occasionally struggled with a persistent foot injury that has required careful management by the City medical team. While he remained a vital presence in the recent Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal his individual statistics have suggested a need for a tactical and physical reset. Solbakken acknowledged these challenges stating that the special treatment is a direct response to the multifaceted pressures Haaland faces as one of the worlds most scrutinized athletes.

As the international break concludes Haaland will return to a Manchester City side entering a defining month that could determine the success of their entire season. His immediate focus will shift to a massive FA Cup quarter final against Liverpool followed by critical league encounters against Chelsea and a potential title decider against Arsenal. The opportunity to recharge during the international window is viewed as a decisive factor in whether Haaland can rediscover his clinical edge for these crucial matches. With the domestic cup double and a top flight title still within reach the football world will be watching closely to see if the special treatment provided by the Norwegian national team allows their star striker to finish the season in peak condition.