MADRID, March 21 (silubaba) -- The task of new Spain international coach, Luis de la Fuente became a little easier on Tuesday with the confirmation that Manchester City's record-breaking striker, Erling Haaland has pulled out of the Norway squad due to face Spain in Malaga on Saturday.
Haaland will miss the European Championship qualifier, which is De la Fuente's first game since being named as the replacement for Luis Enrique, due to a groin strain, which he picked up by scoring a hat-trick against Burnley in Saturday's FA Cup quarterfinal.
"We had hoped that it would just be a slight problem, but after carrying out tests and examining him yesterday (Sunday), it is obvious that he will not be available to play against Spain or Georgia. It is better for him to get treatment with his club," explained Norway team doctor, Ola Sand.
Haaland's loss is a huge blow for Norway after he has already scored 42 goals (including six hat-tricks) in all competitions for Manchester City this season.
De la Fuente has also had to make changes to the Spain squad, with Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno having to drop out with a hamstring problem, while Barca midfielder, Pedri has failed to recover from a muscle injury.
Betis forward, Borja Iglesias has been called into the Spain squad, while Villarreal's Yeremy Pino has been promoted from the U-21s. ■
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