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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Man City handed major Erling Haaland scare as injury problems grow ahead of Liverpool clash

Manchester City have been left sweating over the fitness of Erling Haaland after he twisted his ankle while on international duty.

Haaland came on at half-time in Norway's friendly win over the Faroe Islands and went down late on holding his ankle, playing on until the end of the match despite appearing to be in significant pain.

Norway team doctor Ola Sand revealed that contact was made with City after the match and the club's sports therapist Mario Pafundi, who often travels with Haaland when he is away with his country.

It will come as a real concern to City, ahead of crucial run of fixtures after the international break. Pep Guardiola's side host Liverpool in a Saturday lunchtime kick-off in the first match back and take on Tottenham a week later, before travelling to face in-form Aston Villa.

Haaland was forced off earlier this month against Bournemouth with a ankle injury, and Sand confirmed it is a recurrence of that issue.

Man City will be desperate to have Erling Haaland fit to face Liverpool (AP)

"It was much of the same that happened against Bournemouth a week-and-a-half ago," he told TV2.

"He has had it before too. He gets a slight twist in his ankle, where he is a bit vulnerable. It hurts a lot right away, and then it goes away pretty quickly. Then we'll see tomorrow how he is then.

"Now he will receive some treatment, then there will be peace and rest and then we will see how he is tomorrow morning."

City goalkeeper Ederson is already a doubt for the Liverpool match, having withdrawn from the Brazil squad after picking up a foot injury against Chelsea, while Rodri was not risked for Spain's clash against Cyprus after feeling "discomfort" in training.

John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne remain out, and there are fitness concerns over Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Sergio Gomez heading into a hectic run of fixtures.

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