Manchester City take on Liverpool in the English Premier League when the teams return from the international break and Erling Haaland could miss this key encounter.
Erling Haaland picked up an ankle injury during Norway’s 2-0 win over the Faroe Islands and despite picking up a knock, he played through the pain in that match. After the match, Norway’s doctor Ola Sand said that Haaland had recuperated from the pain but now it looks like the injury is a bit more complicated.
Norway have now confirmed that the MCFC striker will not feature on Sunday when they face Scotland.
“The injury is not serious, but he is in so much pain and somewhat restricted function that the Scotland game unfortunately comes a little too early,” Sand said in a statement.
Manchester City are sitting at the top of the EPL table so this home game against Liverpool will be really important and if Erling Haaland is not fit then it will be a big blow to Guardiola’s plans. If City don’t pick up all three points, they could end that matchweek straightaway in the fourth spot.
The Norwegian has scored 13 goals in 12 Premier League games and his absence will most certainly force the MCFC manager to make changes to his forward line – something that he won’t be too keen to do.
The 23-year-old has one week to make a full recovery but if he was to miss out then Julian Alvarez will most likely lead the line against the Anfield outfit. Alvarez usually plays in the No 10 role but if Erling Haaland is unavailable then Bernardo Silva will most likely be the playmaker.
The Norwegian doctor has said that Haaland’s ankle injury is not serious so he should be fit before next Saturday’s league game but if he was to miss out then it would be a setback for Guardiola because a player like Erling Haaland will be key to breaking down Liverpool’s defence.
