Pep Guardiola ‘hopeful’ Erling Haaland will return from injury to face Liverpool

Pep Guardiola is hopeful Erling Haaland will return for Manchester City against Liverpool after withdrawing from the Norway squad during the international break.

The striker missed Norway’s final Euro 2024 qualifier against Scotland on Sunday after picking up a knock to his ankle in the 2-0 friendly win over the Faroe Islands 72 hours earlier.

Although Norway insisted the injury was “not serious”, Haaland withdrew from the squad and returned to Manchester for treatment ahead of this weekend’s top-of-the-table clash.

Premier League leaders City host rivals Liverpool in Saturday’s early kick-off, as Jurgen Klopp’s resurgent side look to spark another title race between the clubs this season.

Haaland’s two goals in the 4-4 draw at Chelsea before the international break took his Premier League tally to 13 goals in 12 games this season, and the striker will be key to City’s hopes with Kevin De Bruyne sidelined until after Christmas.

“He’s trained with niggles yesterday, hopefully he can train today and we will see,” Guardiola said.

“We have a few problems, The same as many clubs. We will see in the training session and we will see tomorrow. At 6pm, I will know for sure which players I will have tomorrow. Always it’s plan A.”

Saturday’s clash between Manchester City and Liverpool is the latest instalment of the growing rivalry between the sides and could be the start of their latest title battle after Klopp’s changes over the summer.

“I think we are all friends,” Guardiola added. "We know each other quite well. Of course, the time goes forward Jurgen has been eight years at Liverpool and of course it’s not the same players since the start. He has rebuilt the team.

"Trent Alexander-Arnold can play inside and outside. But the idea is quite similar and always been our best rivals some seasons done well with injuries they have. Top club and team. Looking forward to it."