With Liverpool set to face Manchester City this Sunday, Erling Haaland is racing to regain full fitness.
The star striker is among five players Pep Guardiola could be missing for a crucial clash that has become a must-win for the Reds.
On Wednesday, Arne Slot’s side had their match against Aston Villa moved forward due to their upcoming Carabao Cup final. Villa Park is always a tough place to visit, and Liverpool managed only a draw, leaving them eight points behind Arsenal at the top, having played an extra game.
A victory at the Etihad Stadium—where Liverpool hasn’t won since 2018—now feels essential. Fortunately, City are dealing with their own struggles, and Haaland’s availability remains uncertain.
The Norwegian striker picked up a knee issue late in last weekend’s win over Newcastle United, preventing him from making an appearance in City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
Via our colleagues at MEN Sport, Guardiola explained: “I believe the images we have done are fine but it hurt when he walked, when he went down the stairs. Yesterday, this morning he told me that he wasn’t ready, that he didn’t feel well.”
Now trailing Mohamed Salah by five goals in the Golden Boot race, Erling Haaland’s potential absence would be a relief for a Liverpool defense that has managed just two clean sheets in their last nine games.
Adding to Manchester City’s concerns, John Stones lasted only eight minutes in Wednesday’s clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The England defender went down without contact while under pressure from Vinicius Jr and appeared emotional as he left the pitch, making him a major doubt for Sunday’s showdown.
Meanwhile, midfield anchor Rodri, sidelined since last September with an ACL injury, has been ruled out for the rest of the season and will play no part against Arne Slot’s side.
Youngster Oscar Bobb remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a leg fracture suffered early in the season, while Manuel Akanji is also a doubt after picking up a hamstring injury earlier this month.
The only positive news for Manchester City on the injury front is Jack Grealish’s return to the bench. The winger had been out since sustaining a hamstring issue in the first leg against Real Madrid but could now be in contention to feature against Liverpool.
