Haaland declared fit for Anfield after injury scare on Norway duty

Erling Haaland has been cleared to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday after Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the striker has recovered from the fitness scare that forced him off during Norway’s Nations League defeat to Portugal in Porto.

Haaland was withdrawn in the 67th minute of Norway’s 2-1 loss, having started all four of their Nations League fixtures across the international break. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken attributed the substitution to accumulated fatigue rather than a specific injury. “He was simply thoroughly spent,” Solbakken said. “Some of my players have only had six or seven days of holiday. Then it is straight into the start of the season, followed by a mini-tournament, so it is an extreme strain.”

Maresca offered a reassuring update at his pre-match press conference. “He’s good. He went to Marbella, had two or three days off, played golf, recovery,” the City manager said. “Ready for Anfield. He’s good, thank you.”

Haaland has been in sharp form domestically, scoring five goals in as many Premier League appearances this season as City have won every league game to sit top of the table. Sunday’s visit to Anfield represents their sternest test yet.

The press conference was largely overshadowed by the fallout from City being found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League. Haaland became the first City player to publicly address the verdict, urging unity within the squad.

“We have to stick together, stay with each other, stay positive,” Haaland said. “No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile, stay positive, look ahead, and try to win football games, enjoy the situation.”

Maresca, asked whether he sympathised with his players amid the off-field turbulence, kept his focus narrow. “The players — we can only control the football side. We are focused on that. This is what we can do and control.”

Haaland had been in productive form for Norway before his early exit, scoring twice in a 3-2 win over Denmark and once in their first meeting with Portugal before the fatigue caught up with him in the return fixture.