Erling Haaland has not recovered from a groin injury in time for Manchester City’s huge Premier League clash against Liverpool on Saturday.
The striker had to withdraw from the Norway squad for the March internationals with the problem, with Pep Guardiola revealing in his pre-match press conference a decision would be made on his inclusion at the last minute.
And Man City have concluded Haaland is not yet ready to return and has been left out of their matchday squad entirely for Saturday’s encounter.
In his place, Julian Alvarez will start up front and be flanked by Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish.
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In the red corner, Darwin Nunez is only fit enough to make the bench. The Uruguayan picked up a foot injury prior to the international break and has only recently returned to training.
Jurgen Klopp has opted to start Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota in attack instead.
Man City will close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to five points with a win ahead of the Gunners’ game against Leeds United later, while Liverpool will move to within four points of fourth-placed Tottenham with victory.
Man City: Ederson; Stones, Akanji, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Alvarez, Grealish
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Elliott, Henderson; Salah, Gakpo, Jota
Credit: 90min.com
