Manchester City have received a major boost as Erling Haaland has been released early from Norway international duty. The striker will return to Manchester ahead of schedule after helping his country take a giant step towards World Cup qualification.
Haaland delivered another stunning performance for Norway, scoring a hat-trick in their dominant 5-0 victory over Israel on Saturday. The treble took him past 50 international goals, making him the fastest player in history to reach this milestone - surpassing legends including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Pele.
Record-breaking form continues
The Manchester City star leads World Cup qualifying with 12 goals in just six matches. Norway now sit top of Group I with a perfect winning record, effectively guaranteeing their place at next summer's tournament despite Italy remaining close behind.
This qualification would end Norway's 26-year wait for a major tournament - they haven't appeared at a World Cup since 1998 or the European Championship since 2000. Their superior goal difference means World Cup qualification is virtually assured, though Italy still have a game in hand against Israel this week.
Early return benefits City
Norway have released five players with particularly demanding club schedules ahead of Tuesday's friendly against New Zealand in Oslo. Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Fredrik Bjorkan and Felix Horn Myhre have also departed the squad, with Horn Myhre citing an ankle problem.
The early return hands Pep Guardiola extra preparation time with his star striker before a crucial fixture period. City face demanding matches against Everton, Villarreal, Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool in the coming weeks.
Haaland's availability will be vital as City look to maintain their recent upturn in form. The striker has been in sensational form this season with 12 goals in nine appearances, while managing nine goals in just three Norway matches during this international window.
Sources used: "Evening Standard", "Edinburgh Live", "Daily Mail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
