Norway bring in Haaland doc

MANCHESTER CITY have sent a member of their medical team along with Norway to help manage Erling Haaland’s fitness over the international break. Mario Pafundi, a sports therapist, was appointed during Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge at City and has struck up a bond with Haaland since the 22-year-old’s summer arrival. Norway coach Stale Solbakken confirmed yesterday that Pafundi was linking up with the squad ahead of Nations League matches against Slovenia and Serbia, adding that he came recommended by the striker. Pafundi’s role is to maintain the routine Haaland has developed at the Etihad. The Premier League champions have done similar with Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero in the past. Solbakken also insisted Pafundi would also be treating other Norway players.

‘As we select 26 or 27 each time, it is a lot for two therapists,’ he said. ‘Erling came up with the brilliant suggestion that he has a very good therapist.’ Meanwhile, Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has withdrawn from the France squad with a thigh injury.