Manchester City have given Erling Haaland additional time to recover after the striker returned from international duty “thoroughly spent”, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

Haaland was substituted after 67 minutes of Norway’s 2–1 Nations League defeat to Portugal after appearing to struggle physically. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken later indicated that the 26-year-old was suffering from fatigue rather than a specific injury.

“He was simply thoroughly spent,” Solbakken said, highlighting the heavy workload carried by the Manchester City striker.

Haaland has had limited recovery time following Norway’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals, which shortened his summer break. He has also featured in every Premier League game for City this season, scoring five goals.

Solbakken has previously acknowledged the significant workload placed on Haaland because of his importance to both club and country.

City have therefore opted to give their leading striker extra recovery time before he returns to training, with the club carefully monitoring his condition ahead of the trip to Anfield.

There is currently no confirmation of a serious injury, but Haaland’s fitness will be a major talking point as City prepare for one of the biggest fixtures of the Premier League weekend.

With Liverpool waiting at Anfield, City will be hoping the additional rest is enough to ensure their star forward is ready for the test.