Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has been forced to withdraw from the Norway squad after picking up an injury.
The 22-year-old is having an incredible season at the Etihad Stadium, netting 42 goals in all competitions.
Haaland has scored eight goals in two games this season, while playing only 63 minutes against RB Leipzig and Burnley.
Haaland scored five goals in the Champions League against Leipzig before adding another hat-trick in the FA Cup against the Clarets.
Norway had been counting on their star to continue his scoring exploits on the international stage ahead of important Euro 2024 qualifiers against Spain and Georgia.
Instead, Haaland will be forced to return to City after sustaining a groin injury during his most recent appearance for the Premier League giants.
A statement from the Norway FA read: “Erling Braut Haaland had some pain in his groin after the match against Burnley.
“We hoped that this was just a familiarity that would carry over to Saturday, but after doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia,” Norwegian team doctor Ola Sand stated in a national team statement.
“It is better that he receives medical follow-up at the club.”
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Manager Stale Solbakken said Haaland “took the news hard” when advised to withdraw with the double-header crucial to his and his team’s chances of a rare appearance at a major tournament.
From the viewpoint of Man City, Haaland will hope to recover in time to play in the club’s next Premier League match, against Liverpool on April 1.
After that game, City will have a week off before traveling to Southampton for their match against Bayern Munich on April 11.
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