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.
READ MORE: Liverpool notebook: Diaz stuns at training ground, search for defender expands
READ MORE: Liverpool may have just found solution that allows them to spend big in summer
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," said Mr Haaland. “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.”
Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, will be hoping he has close to a full squad to pick from on Saturday, with long-term absentee Luis Diaz set to return to first-team training this week after progressing well with his recovery during the international break.
Darwin Nunez, too, is expected to be available despite suffering a cut to his ankle during the defeat against Real Madrid on March 15 and later being forced to withdraw from Uruguay's international double-header against South Korea and Japan.
READ NEXT
Liverpool may have just found solution that allows them to spend big in summer
Liverpool's dream summer window with £170m midfield plan and FOUR free transfers
Liverpool notebook: Diaz stuns at training ground, search for defender expands
Thiago situation may be about to change at Liverpool after 'difficult conversation'
Liverpool have just unlocked the perfect partnership for Trent Alexander-Arnold
