When Erling Haaland was ruled out of Manchester City's Premier League clash with Liverpool, it came as a blow. The striker has registered 42 goals in 37 matches this season, so his absence was always going to be felt. Yet, Pep Guardiola's side showed that they are still capable of thriving without the frontman.
The Norwegian ace has scored once in his three games against Jurgen Klopp's side this term, so he will have been desperate to be on the pitch to try and change that record. However, even with Guardiola giving Haaland time to prove his fitness before Liverpool's visit to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, it was always going to be difficult for him to make the game.
The 22-year-old withdrew from the Norway squad during the international break because of a groin injury and missed training with City on Thursday. During the international break, the Norwegian visited a City-affiliated hospital in Marbella to have the injury assessed.
