Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola considers gambling on injury doubt Erling Haaland for Liverpool clash
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Published 31/03/2023 at 15:24 GMT
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland could be risked from the start against Liverpool in a big Premier League clash on Saturday, manager Pep Guardiola has revealed. Haaland is working his way back to fitness after sustaining a groin injury before the international break, but Guardiola is considering taking the risk. City trail league leaders Arsenal by eight points, but have a game in hand.
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he's considering risking Erling Haaland for Saturday’s crunch Premier League clash with Liverpool as the striker nears a comeback from injury.
Haaland sustained a groin issue during City’s 6-0 FA Cup win over Burnley two weeks ago and was forced to withdraw from the Norway squad for their opening two Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The 22-year-old has been a key figure for Guardiola’s side this season, scoring 28 goals in 26 Premier League appearances, and the boss is considering gambling on his fitness.
“Life is risks and sometimes you have to take it," said Guardiola. "The doctors and, especially, the player will see how he feels.
"We have scored a lot of goals this season and he has scored an incredible amount of goals. But we've always scored a lot of goals since we've been here."
Saturday’s game at the Etihad - which is live on BT Sport - could be a crucial moment in City’s hopes of defending their league crown.
Guardiola’s side are eight points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand and can’t afford to drop points in the run-in. The Gunners face Leeds United at home later on Saturday.
In recent years, meetings between City and Liverpool have been decisive top-two clashes, but this season Jurgen Klopp's side have struggled and sit down in sixth place, 19 points behind their rivals.
The contrasting fortunes of the clubs this term won’t allow Guardiola to lower his guard, though.
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Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Burnley at Etihad Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Manchester, England
Image credit: Getty Images
“They remain an exceptional team," said the City manager. "My opinion doesn't change.
"They can beat everyone, like we can beat everyone. This season the biggest rival is another one, but whatever happens in the future, they are a big rival."
City remain in contention for silverware in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, while Arsenal’s focus is now solely on claiming their first league title in 19 years.
Haaland made an instant impact at City after arriving from Borussia Dortmund last summer, scoring 42 goals in 37 games across all competitions so far in his first season in English football.
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