Manchester City forward Erling Braut Haaland has been forced to withdraw from the Norway squad due to injury.
The 22-year-old is currently enjoying an astonishing season at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 42 goals in all competitions.
Most recently, Haaland has contributed eight strikes in two appearances, despite lasting just 63 minutes against each of RB Leipzig and Burnley.
Haaland first netted five times versus Leipzig in the Champions League before yet another hat-trick in his City career was posted in the FA Cup versus the Clarets.
Ahead of important Euro 2024 qualifiers against Spain and Georgia, Norway had been relying on their talisman to continue his scoring exploits on the international stage.
© Reuters
Instead, Haaland will be forced to return to City after it was revealed that he had suffered a groin injury during his latest outing for the Premier League giants.
Norwegian team doctor Ola Sand said via a national team statement: "We hoped that this was just a familiarity that would carry over to Saturday, but after doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia.
"It is better that he receives medical follow-up at the club."
Manager Stale Solbakken added that Haaland "took the news hard" when advised to withdraw with the double-header crucial to his and his team's chances of a rare appearance at a major tournament.
© Reuters
The Scandinavian nation has not qualified for either the World Cup or European Championship since making the 2000 version of the latter.
As well as Spain and Georgia, Scotland and Cyprus also feature in Group A, with the top two teams qualifying for the Finals in Germany next year.
From a Man City perspective, Haaland will want to recover in time to represent his club in their next Premier League fixture, a showdown with Liverpool on April 1.
After that fixture, City have a week off before they travel to Southampton, with the first leg of their Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich taking place on April 11.
Darren Plant
