Norway striker Erling Haaland has been cleared to face Moldova on Tuesday despite suffering a freak injury when he was struck in the face by the team bus’s baggage door.
The Manchester City forward required three stitches to his lip after the incident, which occurred outside the team’s hotel on Sunday. Haaland later posted on social media to show the cut but reassured fans of his recovery.
National team coach Stale Solbakken admitted the injury could have been more serious. “We should be glad it turned out well, because that could actually have gone badly,” he told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
“He had a few stitches, got the bleeding stopped and even went to the dentist, I think, but there is nothing to worry about for the match or anything like that,” Solbakken added.
Norway are unbeaten in their qualifying campaign with four wins from four as they chase a first World Cup appearance in more than 25 years. Moldova, who visit Oslo on Tuesday, are bottom of Group I without a point.
