Manchester City remain uncertain over Erling Haaland’s availability for their highly anticipated Premier League showdown against Liverpool this Sunday.
The Norwegian striker picked up a knee injury in the final moments of City’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle United last weekend, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the crucial fixture.
Haaland trained on Monday and traveled with the squad for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid. However, despite the high-stakes nature of the match, he was not fit enough to start and remained on the bench alongside Kevin De Bruyne.
City already trailing 3-2 from the first leg, suffered a humiliating defeat in Madrid, with Kylian Mbappe stealing the show with a hat-trick that knocked Pep Guardiola’s side out of the competition.
With their European hopes now over, City must turn their focus back to the Premier League as they prepare to face league leaders Liverpool at the Etihad.
Guardiola provided an update on Haaland’s condition, expressing cautious optimism but acknowledging his discomfort.
“Erling tried to train after the incident against Newcastle,” Guardiola told reporters. “The scans suggest it’s fine, but he still feels pain, especially when walking or using stairs. He told us he wasn’t ready, and we respected that.”
Haaland has been a key figure for City this season, scoring 27 goals in 35 appearances, with 19 of those coming in the Premier League. However, City’s domestic campaign has been far from dominant, as they sit 17 points off the top, with a top-four finish now their primary target.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are eight points clear at the top of the table, though their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday has given Arsenal fresh hope in the title race.
The Gunners face West Ham on Saturday and could cut the gap to five points before City take on Liverpool the following day.
Mikel Arteta will be counting on his former club to do him a favor by halting Liverpool’s momentum. If results go Arsenal’s way, they could be within striking distance of the top, with a crucial game in hand still to play.
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