Norway are aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998 and have made a perfect start to the campaign
Erling Haaland will be available for Norway’s World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Tuesday after suffering a freak accident outside the national team’s hotel.
The Manchester City striker needed three stitches to his lip after being struck by the baggage door of the team bus on Sunday. The incident occurred as Haaland was leaving through the back entrance, with the door swinging open unexpectedly.
National team coach Stale Solbakken confirmed that he is ready to play after treating the injury.
“We should be glad it turned out well, because that could actually have gone badly,” said Solbakken. “He had a few stitches, got the bleeding stopped and even went to the dentist, but there’s nothing to worry about for the match.”
Haaland later shared a picture of the cut on social media, joking with fans about the mishap.
Norway are aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998 and have made a perfect start to the campaign with four wins from four. They face Moldova in Oslo on Tuesday, with the visitors bottom of Group I and without a point.
Haaland has scored four goals in qualifying so far and remains central to Norway’s hopes of reaching the tournament.
