Eight players could miss Man City vs Everton as Erling Haaland decision explained

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Erling Haaland is set to be fully rested for Everton's visit this weekend after Norway chiefs allowed him to depart their international camp ahead of schedule. The 25 year old netted a treble in Saturday's emphatic 5-0 triumph over Israel .

The result edged Norway nearer to securing their spot at next summer's World Cup, and with their second fixture being a friendly against New Zealand, Haaland was permitted to cut short his international duties.

The Norwegian FA confirmed the prolific striker had no fitness worries, stating: "Players with particularly tight match schedules are returning home: Alexander Sørloth, Julian Ryerson, Erling Braut Haaland and Fredrik Bjørkan."

This means Haaland, who is in blistering form for both club and country, will resume hostilities with the Toffees at the Etihad on Saturday, reports the Liverpool Echo .

The 25-year-old found the net but was fortunate to escape a sending-off for a dangerous challenge on Vitalii Mykolenko during the heated 1-1 stalemate under Frank Lampard .

He subsequently bagged a brace of late strikes to secure City's triumph the following campaign before squandering a spot-kick when Everton claimed another point there last term.

Haaland fluffed two penalties against Israel at the weekend, seeing both attempts thwarted after being granted the opportunity to retake his initial effort.

Whilst the Premier League's nine-goal leading marksman is anticipated to feature, one of his best friends will be forced to observe from the stands. Haaland was quick to congratulate Jack Grealish on his loan move to Everton, but the terms of the deal mean the England star, who scored a last-gasp winner against Crystal Palace last time out, won't be able to play.

Everton boss David Moyes is set to give an update on Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Rohl at his pre-match press conference on Friday. Both have been struggling with injuries but were making progress ahead of the Palace game.

Michael Keane's rib injury in the second half adds another worry for a defence that may need reshuffling if he's ruled out.

Meanwhile, Man City boss Pep Guardiola has his own injury headaches going into the break, with Abdukadir Khusanov, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rodri and Omar Marmoush all nursing knocks.

Rodri, who was taken off during the club's last match against Brentford due to a hamstring issue, could be sidelined.

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