Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit and available to play against Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Anfield. Concerns over the Norwegian striker emerged after he limped off during Norway’s 2-1 loss to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League, with national team manager Stale Solbakken later citing exhaustion and a minor knock. However, Maresca brushed aside any lingering fitness fears ahead of the 4:30 pm BST kick-off, reassuring supporters that his marquee forward has fully recovered following a brief trip to Spain.
Haaland spent a few days relaxing in Marbella, utilizing the brief break to recharge before returning to first-team duties. Speaking at his pre-match press conference after addressing questions regarding Manchester City’s ongoing off-field dispute with the Premier League, Maresca explained how the short respite served the forward well. The Italian manager revealed that Haaland spent two or three days in the sun playing golf and undergoing recovery work. Maresca noted that players frequently balance international commitments with necessary rest before competing again, emphasizing that Haaland is now in prime condition and ready for the trip to Merseyside.
The availability of Haaland provides a significant boost for Manchester City ahead of Gameweek 6. The Norwegian forward holds recent fond memories of playing at Anfield, having converted a dramatic stoppage-time winning penalty during last season’s away fixture against Liverpool. His return to full fitness ensures City retain their primary attacking threat for one of the most demanding away fixtures on the domestic calendar.
While Haaland’s fitness update brings relief, Maresca still faces several roster decisions across his squad. Phil Foden remains unavailable as he serves the final match of a three-game suspension handed down following his red card in last month’s Manchester derby. Meanwhile, Nico O’Reilly is a doubt after withdrawing from the England squad and missing recent training. Attacker Antoine Semenyo also dealt with recent fitness concerns heading into the weekend, though he is expected to feature alongside Haaland in an attacking setup that could also include Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku.
With Gianluigi Donnarumma expected in goal behind a defensive line consisting of Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, and Josko Gvardiol, alongside Enzo Fernandez and Anderson in midfield, City look set to deploy a strong starting lineup at Anfield. Facing a formidable Liverpool side in front of a hostile crowd, Maresca’s team will rely heavily on Haaland’s physical presence and goalscoring pedigree to secure a vital result away from home.
