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Opponent Watch: Manchester City superstar injury doubt for Liverpool clash

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By Shrishh Attavar

Liverpool get boost as Erling Haaland is a doubt for Manchester City against the Reds

Liverpool potentially stand handed a massive boost ahead of their league fixture against Manchester City as Erling Haaland is a doubt to face the Reds at the Etihad on 1 April. (h/t The Mirror)

With 42 goals and five assists this season from 37 appearances across all competitions this season, Haaland has been in sublime form ever since joining Pep Guardiola’s side. A groin issue forced the 22-year-old player to withdraw from the Norway squad earlier this week for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Spain and Georgia.

Prior to the international period, Haaland had been in excellent form, having scored an impressive eight goals in just two matches. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury during the FA Cup quarter-final against Burnley, where his team emerged victorious with a 6-0 win.

Erling Haaland was kept quiet by Nathaniel Phillips in Liverpool FC's clash against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
Erling Haaland was kept quiet by Nathaniel Phillips in Liverpool FC’s clash against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup earlier this season. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Haaland’s father provided an injury update on the player and termed the situation ‘touch-and-go’ as quoted by The Mirror. In any case, the Reds should not ease off their training sessions as we have seen in football that these could prove to be mind games at the end of the day.

City-Liverpool matchup

However, it’s worth noting that City has a strong squad with many capable players who could step up in Haaland’s absence. Liverpool would still need to bring their A-game to stand a chance against one of the best teams in the Premier League.

The Reds have fared well against City this season, winning in the FA Community Shield Game against them in addition to the league win at Anfield. The Reds also had a competitive game playing considerably under full strength against a stacked City squad in a 3-2 loss to Guardiola’s side in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.

Jurgen Klopp would hope to get the better of Pep Guardiola once Liverpool meet Man City in the league at the Etihad.
Jurgen Klopp would hope to get the better of Pep Guardiola when Liverpool meet Man City in the league at the Etihad. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

The understaffed midfield of Liverpool need to be on its toes against one of the best sides in Europe. This game will certainly go a long way in deciding our fate and our top four chances at the end of the campaign.

The international break could be a much-needed break for a number of Liverpool players, and hopefully, the players come back in Liverpool colours and get going full throttle.

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In conclusion, the anticipation for the upcoming clash between Manchester City and Liverpool continues to rise, with the potential absence of Haaland adding another layer of intrigue. Despite his father’s uncertainty about his availability, it remains to be seen whether the Norwegian striker will ultimately feature in the highly-anticipated match.