SOCCER
Haaland could be out for the rest of the season
Jan Aage Fjörtoft, former player and close friend of the Haaland family, has Borussia Dortmund fans worried by claiming the player has a long-term injury.
Borussia Dortmund's worst fears could come true. It is looking increasingly likely that the Bundesliga side will not be able to count on Erling Haaland for what remains of the current season. Between the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal, Haaland has already missed a number games already this season and his injury could be more serious than first thought. Former player Jan Aage Fjörtoft, who is a close friend of the Haaland family, has Dortmund fans worried after his recent comments.
"It could be that the Ajax game (0-4) will be his last this season," the former Norway international said in declarations picked up by local television. In Germany, Bild reported that Haaland had suffered an injury to his hip flexors. Initially, it was hoped that Haaland would be back in action by the start of December but that may even turn out to be a little optimistic.
No word from Dortmund
From the club, there has been no new information. Coach Marco Rose shied away from entering into detail about Haaland's injury when quizzed by reporters during the press conference before Saturday's meeting with Bielefeld. "I-m not a doctor. I would rather not especulate. Erling is injured. It is an injury to the same muscle which he injured before, but in a different place," was all he offered. Haaland, who has scored 13 goals this season, will be sorely missed while he recovers.