Marco Rose: Erling Haaland still not at 100% after lengthy injury spell

Marco Rose has admitted that Erling Haaland is still not 100% fit after spending almost two months on the sidelines.

Erling Haaland made his return to the Borussia Dortmund starting XI for the game against FC Köln in the Bundesliga on Sunday. The Norwegian international did not have the best of games, and missed a couple of chances as the Black and Yellows were held to a 1-1 draw.

Marco Rose said after the game that Haaland is still missing a little something and is not back at 100% fitness just yet. The Borussia Dortmund head coach also backed the 21 year old to start scoring regularly after the international break.

"“He played a decent game,” Rose said. “It’s also important to create the chances. I spoke briefly with him, and he knows that he’s still missing something. But I think we’re on the right track and he will start scoring again when he returns from the international break.”"

Haaland suffered his injury during Borussia Dortmund’s win over TSG Hoffenheim in January. He missed a number of big games as a result, and his absence was heavily felt in the BVB attack. The striker has made three appearances since returning from injury, but has yet to find the back of the net.

Haaland still has 23 goals and six assists to his name in 23 appearances for Borussia Dortmund this season. And he will be looking to add to that tally when Dortmund go up against RB Leipzig on April 02 in the Bundesliga.

Haaland will have the chance to find some form before that crunch clash as he has been named in the Norway squad for their upcoming friendlies against Slovakia and Armenia. A couple of good performances will certainly help him restore his confidence going into the business end of the season.