Pep Guardiola has given an injury update on striker Erling Haaland ahead of Sunday’s match against table-topping Liverpool in the Premier League.
The manager provided the update during his pre-match conference. The Norwegian striker picked up what seemed like a knee injury in City’s comprehensive 4-0 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend.
Though, he was part of the squad for their Champions League knockout phase second leg in Spain against Real Madrid.
Manchester City suffered a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid, and Haaland was an unused substitute in the game but could it have been as a result of the injury or him being rested for this weekend’s clash with Liverpool?
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Pep Guardiola gives injury update on Haaland
Pep Guardiola has explained that against Real Madrid in the UCL midweek, Haaland had told him he was not ready to play.
During his press conference on Friday, the Citizens’ boss claimed that he was unsure of the striker’s involvement against the Reds.
As per thisisanfield, when asked about Haaland he said, “Don’t know yet. Tomorrow we will know.”
He added “It is better to have Erling on the pitch. Everybody is responsible for the good things and bad things for the team but obviously with Erling we are better.”
The City boss suggesting that final news on Haaland’s participation on Sunday will be known tomorrow shows that he might not be ready to start against Liverpool.
However, many fans will not be too surprised if he does start, as Guardiola has been fond of playing mind games before Liverpool matches in recent years.
The Reds are not unfamiliar with Pep’s antics and would set up their squad to face Manchester City with or without Erling Haaland, as they look to continue their push for the Premier League title.
Liverpool are not without injury concerns of their own, as they will be without Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, and Tyler Morton for the trip to the Etihad Stadium, while Cody Gakpo faces a race against time to be fit for the encounter.
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