Manchester City face a nervous wait, with Erling Haaland not spotted in training ahead of this weekend's match against Liverpool.
Premier League top scorer Haaland sat out Norway's first two Euro 2024 qualifiers through injury, leaving him a doubt to return in time for Saturday's game. The 22-year-old played just over an hour of City's last game, an FA Cup quarter-final victory over Burnley before leaving the field with a groin problem.
City are gearing up for the title run-in, but may have to begin that process without their star man. Haaland was nowhere to be seen in Wednesday's or Thursday's session, with the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at the Etihad Stadium drawing ever closer.
Manchester City shared a number of photos of Wednesday's session on club media as their players returned from international duty. Defenders Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake were among those involved after featuring for Portugal and the Netherlands respectively, while Jack Grealish was among the England stars back on club duty.
There was no sign of Haaland, though. What's more, Metro reports that he also wasn't anywhere to be seen in Thursday morning's session.
"We hoped that this 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," Norway team doctor Ola Sand said during the international break. "It is better that he receives medical follow-up at the club."
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Haaland's goal impact has been plain to see this season. A hat-trick against Burnley in the cup brought him up to 42 goals in all competitions for City this term, while his 28 league goals put him seven clear of closest challenger Harry Kane.
City are already without Phil Foden, who pulled out of England's international squad with appendicitis. "He will not be fit for this weekend’s Premier League game at home to Liverpool and it is unclear at this stage how long he will be unavailable for," a statement from City read.
Pep Guardiola's reigning champions go into Saturday's game against Liverpool with an eight point gap to make up on league leaders Arsenal, though they have a game in hand. Mikel Arteta's side kick off later on Saturday, hosting Javi Gracia's Leeds United in North London.
City go into their match aiming to gain revenge on a Liverpool side which got the better of them back in October, with Mohamed Salah scoring the only goal of the game. Jurgen Klopp's side have been far less consistent on the road, though, winning just three of 13 league games away from Anfield and losing at Bournemouth last time out.
