Erling Haaland has been included in the Norway squad to face Ireland next week despite a nagging foot injury.
The Manchester City superstar is Norway’s biggest draw and his appearance in Dublin will help shift tickets at Aviva Stadium.
But as the game is a friendly, there is always the risk that Haaland, 22, could still sit out going into the World Cup break.
Haaland has been struggling with a foot injury since the end of October but did score an injury-time penalty to beat Fulham on Saturday.
Quizzed on Haaland’s injury, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said today: “He's not perfect still, but he's getting better.
“The important thing is that the bone is not broken, it's not damaged. It's just the ligaments that are damaged a little bit.
"It's not perfect right now but in a week or ten days, everything can change.
“If he feels good he can play with the national team, it's so important for the players. I never worry about the players when they are fit to play with the national team.”
Haaland has made a remarkable impact on the Premier League, smashing an eye-watering 24 goals in 19 club appearances so far this season.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is also included in the Norway squad, having played a leading role in driving the Gunners to the top of the Premier League.
Stephen Kenny names his squad on Thursday ahead of the Aviva Stadium clash on Thursday week, with the Boys in Green travelling to play Malta three days later.
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