“There must be a reason” – Norway manager talks Erling Haaland’s visit to renowned knee specialist | OneFootball

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland sparked conversation across social media this week after he posted a photo alongside a renowned knee specialist in Barcelona.

Haaland enters the spring run-in with 22 Premier League goals to his name, leading the Golden Boot race ahead of Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Manchester City teammate Antoine Semenyo.

Manchester City have kept their title hopes somewhat alive despite difficult results against the likes of West Ham United and Nottingham Forest, trailing leaders Arsenal by nine points by the time top-flight action resumes, with a game in hand.

Now fully refreshed after his week-long hiatus issued by Norway, Erling Haaland is expected to return to his role as being the focal point of Pep Guardiola’s plans, starting with the April 4 FA Cup Quarter-Final against Liverpool.

Haaland’s medical visit to Barcelona

Having been handed a week’s break by Norway prior to their second international friendly of the March international pause, Haaland seemingly made a trip to Barcelona to visit Dr Ramon Cugat – a renowned knee specialist.

Speaking to the media ahead of Norway’s friendly meeting with Switzerland, manager Ståle Solbakken stated that Haaland’s ‘body looked fine’ but that the Manchester City striker would not play the full match.

“From the little I’ve spoken with him, everything seems fine, so he’ll give it a try now,” Solbakken told reporters this week.

However, when further asked on what kind of ‘injury are we talking about’, the Norway international head coach said, “There must be a reason he went to see a doctor, and it’s confidential, isn’t it?”

Could Haaland start for Man City vs Liverpool?

It remains to be seen whether Manchester City themselves will immediately launch Erling Haaland back into action by the time the Cup Quarter-Final against Arne Slot’s side comes around, or whether rotation will be deemed necessary.

Pep Guardiola has often used the FA Cup this season as an opportunity to rotate his attacking options, granting Omar Marmoush valuable minutes to impress alongside the likes of Savinho, and Antoine Semenyo – following his January switch from Bournemouth.

And having scored a decisive brace in the 1-3 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park in the fifth round, Pep Guardiola may reward Marmoush with another start ahead of Erling Haaland against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

Beyond the clash with Liverpool, Manchester City embark on a trio of Premier League fixtures in April, including away visits to Chelsea and Burnley, as well as a home clash against title rivals Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.