Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that star striker Erling Haaland remains a doubt for Sunday’s crucial Premier League showdown against Liverpool.
Haaland, who sustained a knock in City’s recent league victory over Newcastle United, was left on the bench during their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday. His availability for the top-of-the-table clash at Anfield remains uncertain.
“Don’t know yet. Tomorrow, we’ll know it,” Guardiola said in Friday’s press conference when asked about Haaland’s fitness. “Yeah, maybe [I’m hopeful] but I don’t yet. We train today and tomorrow, he will test, I guess, but I don’t know.”
Meanwhile, City’s defensive woes have deepened as John Stones faces a potential surgery following an early withdrawal against Madrid. The England international lasted just eight minutes before being forced off, adding to Guardiola’s selection headaches.
“He’s [Stones] injured, a difficult one. In the next hours or days, we’ll know if he needs surgery or not,” Guardiola said.
Stones’ absence compounds City’s defensive crisis, with Manuel Akanji already sidelined for up to 10 weeks after undergoing groin surgery.
With key players in doubt, City will face a tough test against a Liverpool side eager to capitalize on their title race momentum.
