Why isn’t Erling Haaland playing for Norway against France in the World Cup Group I?
Erling Haaland will not start for Norway against France.
Erling Haaland is not playing in Norway’s game against France in the final Group I game - but why?
The player featured in Norway’s first two games, against Senegal and Iraq, and scored two in each, firing himself to the top end of the Golden Boot chart.
However, against France, he will be rested; with Norway already through, manager Ståle Solbakken has taken the decision to play without the Manchester City forward from the start in an effort to keep him fresh for the next round.
Both France and Norway have 6 points each while Senegal and Iraq have 0; this means only the top 2 will not change with any possible result.
There is no injury to speak of; Haaland’s absence is purely rotational: after a long season in England’s Premier League, added rest can only be a good thing for his legs and mind.
Why is Martin Ødegaard not playing for Norway against France?
Much like how Haaland is being rested, so is Ødegaard. There is no injury and no need to worry.
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