Norway Clarifies Haaland’s Absence, While Ake Raises Fresh Injury Concern for Manchester City

Erling Haaland was rested during Norway’s victory over Jordan on Thursday in preparation for a crucial upcoming match. Meanwhile, Nathan Ake’s halftime substitution during the Netherlands’ win against Greece has raised injury concerns for Manchester City.

Haaland, who has scored six goals for City this season, is on international duty, aiming to help Norway improve their qualifying position for Euro 2024. Norway currently ranks third in Group A, behind Scotland and Georgia but just ahead of Spain by a single point. With two more games played than Spain, securing one of the top two spots for qualification may prove challenging. Therefore, a home victory against second-placed Georgia is vital on Tuesday.

Rodri Calls for Greater Control Over Transfers to Saudi Arabia

Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, has called for stricter control over player transfers to the Saudi Pro League. He believes that European football authorities should take action to regulate the departure of players who have chosen to join this league.

Many European players, including Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte, have left their clubs to participate in the new era of Saudi Arabian football. High-profile names like Karim Benzema, Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson, and Ruben Neves, among others, have joined Cristiano Ronaldo in this expanding league, often for substantial transfer fees and reportedly substantial wages.

Liverpool’s Mo Salah also received a £150 million offer from Al Ittihad, which was rejected, and reports of an improved £200 million offer did not materialize before the Saudi Arabian transfer deadline on Thursday.