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Pundit drops 'huge' Erling Haaland injury verdict ahead of Man City v Liverpool
“Conspiracies” are rife about Erling Haaland’s Norway withdrawal ahead of Man City’s Saturday lunchtime showdown against Liverpool.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Leeds and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson claimed the 23-year-old had to focus on his fitness ahead of City’s clash against their biggest title rivals.
Haaland came off the bench in Norway’s 2-0 friendly win over the Faroe Islands during the international break but an injury in the tie forced him to withdraw and miss their Euro 2024 qualifier against Scotland.
Norway had no way to qualify before facing Steve Clarke’s Scots, but many fans questioned Haaland’s motivation to head back to England when it was reported that he would be fit to face the Reds.
Robinson defended the Nord and insisted that players would not withdraw from international duty “without good reason”.
“I think Haaland has very strong allegiances to his national team,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s a huge part of that team and he’s a striker who wants to score goals wherever he plays and he wants to break records at international level as well as in the Premier League with Man City.
“Norway couldn’t qualify [for Euro 2024 against Scotland] and he wasn’t fully fit.
“There are a lot of conspiracies out there, like John Stones pulling out the England side, Rodri pulling out of the Spain side, and Haaland too.
“And guess what? They play Liverpool at the weekend! So there is that side to it.
“But with Haaland, he goes through the rigours that are put on Premier League and international footballers.
“If it’s a game where his team couldn’t qualify, then he needs to look after himself and his own wellbeing.
“When I played, there was absolutely pressure from clubs [to withdraw from international duty].
“But now there will be no players pulling out without good reason.”
In other news, Sources: Chelsea star Ian Maatsen will jump at the chance to complete Man City move.