Erling Haaland requires stitches after being struck by Norway team bus door

Erling Haaland required three stitches after being struck in the face by the luggage compartment door of Norway’s team bus as he arrived at the national squad’s hotel in Oslo, the forward said Monday.

Haaland, 25, posted a message on social media that read, "Just got banged out by a bus door. 3 stitches," and shared a selfie showing a cut to his lip. A follow-up exchange with supporters showed him responding lightly when a fan suggested another player had caused the injury; Haaland replied "Correct" after a fan jokingly named captain Martin Ødegaard, and later wrote "Hahahaha wrong answers only."

The incident took place as Haaland stood by the trunk door that holds luggage; team sources described the wound as a bleeding mouth caused when the door flew open. Medical staff treated the striker and he required three stitches to close the cut. There was no immediate indication the injury would prevent him from taking part in Norway’s forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Tuesday.

Haaland travelled with the Norway squad after helping Manchester City to domestic and European success this year. He scored the only goal from the penalty spot as Norway beat Finland 1-0 on Thursday, a result that left Norway unbeaten in their qualifying group with four wins from four matches and top of Group I.

The striker has been prolific for his country, registering 42 goals in 43 appearances and holding the record as Norway’s all-time leading scorer. He is part of a squad that also includes Manchester City team-mate Oscar Bobb, Fulham midfielder Sander Berge, Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer and Wolverhampton Wanderers defender David Møller Wolfe. Ødegaard, who captains the side, is the most capped player in the current squad with 66 appearances.

Norway are seeking qualification for their first major tournament since Euro 2000. The team’s medical staff said they would monitor Haaland ahead of the Moldova match and provide updates if the situation changed. The Norwegian Football Federation did not immediately release a further statement regarding the incident.

Haaland’s lighthearted social-media responses were noted by supporters and media outlets; the player’s post and replies were used to confirm the basic facts of the accident while underscoring there was no indication of a more serious injury to his jaw or teeth. Team officials continued routine preparations for the qualifier in Oslo on Tuesday, with the squad scheduled for training sessions and final selection decisions before kickoff.