Premier League top goalscorer Erling Haaland was not pictured in Manchester City training on Wednesday afternoon as Pep Guardiola’s side ramped up their preparations for this weekend’s visit of Liverpool.
Despite initially joining up with his Norweigan team-mates during the recent international break, Haaland made a swift return to Manchester after being diagnosed with a groin problem just days after scoring two goals against Burnley in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The 22-year-old’s involvement in Saturday’s Premier League clash with the Reds has therefore been plunged into doubt ever since. However, it now appears unlikely with the forward not pictured in Wednesday’s session at the City Football Academy, where returning international stars Jack Grealish, Nathan Ake and John Stones were all present.
After assessing Haaland upon his arrival at the Norway camp, national team doctor Ola Sand said:
“We hoped that this was just a familiarity that would carry over to Saturday, but after doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia.
“It is better that he receives medical follow-up at the club.”
Meanwhile, his father, Alfie Haaland, described his son’s availability for the return of Premier League action this weekend as “touch and go” when asked by reporters on March 23.
“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. They can gamble on it, but if he doesn’t get proper training with the team, then he won’t play. It is about how he responds to treatment in the next few days.
“He needs a lot of care and ‘knuckling’. There are many sprints and there is a lot to move.”
Said Mr Haaland.
Source: Sky Sports
