Erling Haaland not ready to return from knee injury for Liverpool clash

The champions host Arne Slot's side on Sunday afternoon. 

BLOW: Erling Haaland’s knee injury has not improved enough for him to return against Liverpool. Pic: Martin Rickett/PA

Erling Haaland was forced to miss Manchester City’s clash with Premier League leaders Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday through injury.

The prolific Norwegian striker, who has scored 27 goals this season, had been hoping to prove his fitness after sitting out Wednesday’s Champions League defeat at Real Madrid.

Haaland suffered knee pain in the latter stages of last weekend’s game against Newcastle and, although initial scans showed no notable damage, the problem has not cleared.

It has improved but he didn’t feel good

Manager Pep Guardiola said a decision was made that Haaland could not feature after training on Saturday.

He added on Sky Sports: “It has improved but he didn’t feel good.”

City are next in action at Tottenham on Wednesday.

Asked if Haaland could return for that game, Guardiola said: “Hope so, but we will see. Hopefully he will come back when he feels good.”