Haaland declared fit for Anfield despite Norway injury scare ahead of Liverpool clash

Erling Haaland is fit to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, with Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirming the Norwegian striker has recovered from the knock that cut short his international break.

Haaland was substituted during Norway’s clash with Portugal after manager Stale Solbakken cited “extreme strain” as the reason for his early withdrawal. The 26-year-old had started all four of Norway’s matches over the break, raising concerns about his availability for one of the Premier League’s most anticipated fixtures.

Maresca moved to ease those fears in his pre-match press conference, revealing that Haaland had spent time in Marbella to recover. “He’s good,” the City manager said. “He went to Marbella, had two or three days off, played golf, [and recovered]. [Haaland is] ready for Anfield. He’s good, thank you.”

The news is a significant boost for City, who have no natural target-man replacement for Haaland in their squad. The striker has been in outstanding form this season, scoring five goals in five Premier League appearances — all of which City have won — and adding a brace in their Champions League opener against Porto.

City travel to Anfield carrying additional weight beyond the title race. The club are preparing to compete for the first time in the Premier League since an independent commission found them guilty of all charges related to breaches of the league’s financial rules across a nine-year period.

Maresca does have other selection concerns heading into the fixture. Winger Antoine Semenyo faces a late fitness test, while midfielder Nico O’Reilly is also being assessed after withdrawing from England duty during the break. Phil Foden is unavailable entirely, serving a suspension following his red card in last month’s Manchester Derby.

City’s schedule does not ease after Anfield, with Paris Saint-Germain visiting in the Champions League the following week.