Manchester City are likely to be without the services of their prolific striker Erling Haaland when they host Premier League leaders Liverpool in a crucial game tomorrow. City’s boss, Pep Guardiola, has confirmed that Haaland remains uncertain after missing City’s midweek Champions League exit to Real Madrid, as he continues to struggle with a knee injury.
The Norwegian, who has been in sensational form with 27 goals this season, was named on the bench for the Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. However, he didn’t feature as City succumbed to a 3-1 defeat, exiting the competition with a 6-3 aggregate loss. In Haaland’s absence, Guardiola is likely to deploy January signing Omar Marmoush at the front, but the Egyptian is still getting used to Manchester City’s system, which could work in Liverpool’s favor.
“It’s better to have Erling on the pitch than not,” Guardiola noted. “Of course, with Erling, we are stronger.” The manager’s comments reflect just how crucial Haaland has been to City’s attack this season. Surprisingly, Erling Haaland boasts a modest record against Liverpool despite his impressive numbers against other teams. In eight outings against the Reds, Haaland has scored just three times, winning only once and suffering five losses. With a decade of Premier League football still ahead of him, those numbers are surely set to change sooner rather than later.
Injuries have been a key factor in City’s struggles this season, with several key players sidelined. Guardiola confirmed that John Stones will be out for another couple of months due to a thigh tear sustained in the defeat to Madrid. Additionally, Rodri and Manuel Akanji are also at risk of missing the remainder of the campaign.
As City prepare for the crucial clash with Liverpool, Guardiola’s team will be hoping to bounce back from a tough few weeks while also navigating the challenges of an injury-hit squad. Liverpool currently lead the Premier League by eight points, with Arsenal, in second place, having a game in hand. City, on the other hand, are languishing in fourth place, a significant 17 points behind Liverpool, effectively ending their hopes of winning an unprecedented fifth title in a row.