Injury Puts Haaland's Participation in World Cup Qualifier Against Italy in Doubt

Manchester City striker faces weeks on the sidelines following ankle injury

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Erling Haaland, one of football's brightest stars, is facing a mysterious period of absence after sustaining an ankle injury during a recent FA Cup match. His injury has raised concerns about his availability for Norway's World Cup qualifying matchup against Italy scheduled for June.

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Haaland suffered the injury while playing against Bournemouth last Sunday. Eyewitness accounts revealed that he left the stadium on crutches, signaling the severity of his condition. The striker, who has become a key player for both Manchester City and the Norwegian national team, is expected to miss several weeks of action as he recovers.

Further medical evaluations are planned in the coming days to assess Haaland's injury and gauge his recovery timeline. Manchester City officials have expressed optimism about his return, hoping he will be fit enough to participate between the last Premier League game of the season on May 25 and the commencement of the Club World Cup on June 14. Haaland's potential absence is particularly critical for the Norwegian national team, as they prepare for their first match in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Italy. Scheduled for June 6, this match marks Norway's opening in Group I, following their successful campaign in the Nations League, where they recorded wins against Moldova and Israel.

As Norway aims to capitalize on its early qualifying momentum, the outcome of Haaland's recovery will undoubtedly have significant implications for both his club and national team aspirations. The football community will be watching closely as updates regarding his condition emerge.

For now, the focus remains on Haaland's pathway to recovery, while fans hope to see him return to action soon.