Erling Haaland ABSENT from Manchester City training ahead of Liverpool showdown

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was not spotted in first-team training on Thursday morning ahead of the weekend’s clash with Liverpool.

The Norwegian striker withdrew from international duty with his country last week after sustaining a groin injury during the 6-0 win over Burnley in the FA Cup – a contest in which he scored a hat-trick.

Haaland is understood to have visited Manchester City’s partnership hospital in Barcelona during the international break, before continuing his rehabilitation in Marbella, Spain alongside a member of the club’s medical staff.

The 22 year-old returned to Manchester on Sunday evening, arriving at the city’s international airport via private jet as he looked to step up his rehabilitation ahead of the Premier League clash against Liverpool this weekend, while the club continued to conduct medical tests.

However, with no more than three training sessions remaining until the showdown with Jurgen Klopp’s side at the weekend, Manchester City have been left sweating on Thursday morning with the latest update on their star forward.

As reported by Sky Sports News, covering Manchester City from the City Football Academy, Erling Haaland was not present during the first-team’s open training session.

It is of course clarified that this is not a clear indication that he is completely ruled out of the Liverpool game, however concerns over his availability will only rise amongst supporters as the contest edges ever closer.

Speaking during the international break, Erling’s father Alfie Haaland issued words of caution in regards to his son’s availability for Saturday’s match, describing the situation as ‘touch and go’.

Alfie Haaland told reporters, “Firstly, I’m not a doctor, and secondly, I think it’s ‘touch and go’, yes. You can’t just go two weeks without training and then jump right into a fight. There must be a progression there.

“Man City can gamble, but if he doesn’t get proper training with the team, then he won’t play… It’s about how he responds to treatment in the next few days. He needs a lot of care and ‘knuckling’. There are many sprints and a lot to move.”

Julian Alvarez has returned from international duty with Argentina, participating in Thursday’s training session as normal, as the 23 year-old braces himself for the ultimate call-up this weekend, should his striking counter-part lose the race to be fit.

Phil Foden was of course absent, as the England international begins his recovery after undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis, in an issue that could rule him out for up to six weeks.

Pep Guardiola is likely to provide a more complete update on the fitness of Erling Haaland when he addresses the media in his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool, which is due to take place on Friday afternoon.