Haaland expected back for Liverpool clash
While Manchester City might have their sights set on defending their Premier League crown this season, it appeared that Pep Guardiola’s superstar squad were handed a major injury concern during November’s international break. Completely missing out as Norway signed off their downbeat EURO 24 qualifying campaign away at Scotland on Sunday night after sustaining an ankle injury, there were certainly concerns around the Etihad that their record-breaking striker could be set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines. However, ahead of a heavyweight showdown against bitter rivals Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime, Man City have been handed a much-welcomed boost. Despite missing out at Hampden over the weekend and forced to watch on from the sidelines, it has been reported that the former Borussia Dortmund superstar is expected to make a full return.Premier League Transfer News: Mikel Arteta has a Premier League superstar as his top January target🔵🇳🇴 🚨Understand Erling Haaland’s injury is not serious and he will be fit for City vs Liverpool.
Haaland will not risk to play vs Scotland after his problem but he’ll be regularly back for Man City. pic.twitter.com/Nu0T6Eawrf — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 19, 2023
Guardiola has a major injury headache on his hands
While Manchester City will certainly be excited to have Haaland back and firing on all cylinders this weekend, Guardiola has a string of injury issues to worry about. Although Belgian ace Kevin De Bruyne might be inching closer to a return following on from his long-term hamstring injury, City’s midfield icon is not expected to make his return on Saturday lunchtime. Watching both Manuel Akanji and Mateo Kovacic respectively withdraw from international duties last week, there is also a growing concern that Ederson could be set for a temporary stint on the sidelines. Ahead of their return to Premier League action at the Etihad, it has been reported that the likes of John Stones and Matheus Nunes are in a race against the clock to prove their fitness.Although Guardiola might have some serious squad juggling to do ahead of City’s Premier League return this weekend, the Sky Blues will know the importance of laying down a heavyweight marker.🚨 Manchester City players that are currently out of action due to injury:
⦿ Kevin De Bruyne ⦿ Sergio Gomes ⦿ John Stones ⦿ Nathan Ake ⦿ Ederson Moraes ⦿ Mateo Kovacic ⦿ Matheus Nunes That leaves 15 fit outfield players 😳 pic.twitter.com/27TQXWdiTz — City HQ (@City_HQs) November 15, 2023