Arsenal fans have accused Manchester City for 'playing smart' after Erling Haaland was withdrawn from the Norway squad after suffering a groin injury. The 22-year-old striker is set to return to Manchester after being ruled out of Norway's upcoming fixtures against Spain and Georgia during the international break.
The City star has scored an incredible 42 goals in just 37 appearances in all competitions this season for Pep Guardiola's side. Haaland's withdrawal may come as a huge Premier League title boost for the Gunners as the Norwegian forward could be sidelined for a number of weeks through injury.
The Norwegian FA confirmed that Haaland has been withdrawn from the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Spain and Georgia due to a groin problem. A statement from the Norwegian Football Federation read: "Erling Braut Haaland had some pain in his groin after the match against Burnley.
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"We hoped that this was just a familiarity that would carry over to Saturday. After doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia."
This has led to Arsenal fans speculating that it could be a 'plan' from City to fake Haaland's injury and instead keep him fresh for the Premier League title race run-in. The Norwegian's return to Manchester would allow him to recover ahead of a crucial end to the season in which Guardiola will need his star striker to continue his brilliant form in front of goal if they are to lift a fifth title in six years.
@prince_okemini tweeted: "Please withdraw Odegaard @Arsenal. City are always doing this!"
@GTalksArsenal posted: "Rashford and Haaland are apparently injured all of a sudden *laughing emoji*...the run-in is almost upon us *eyes emoji*."
@Hanjimanji1 joined in with the conspiracies, posting: "Ahhhh Rashford, now Haaland. They’re all playing smart, Arsenal gotta be careful."
Fans are sceptical of Haaland's injury and it remains to be seen whether he will miss City's clash against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium when Premier League action returns after the international break.
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