Erling Haaland is fit to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, giving Manchester City an important boost as Premier League football resumes after the international break. The striker prompted concern after limping off during Norway’s match against Portugal, but Enzo Maresca confirmed that he had recovered following a short period of rest in Marbella. With five league goals already this season, Haaland is expected to lead City’s attack.
“He’s good,” Maresca said. “He went to Marbella, had two or three days off, played golf. Had some recovery. He’s ready for Anfield.” That update resolves the principal fitness concern surrounding City’s centre-forward, although the starting lineup had not been confirmed at the time of this early-morning preview.
Phil Foden remains unavailable as he completes the final match of his three-game domestic suspension following his dismissal against Manchester United. His absence leaves Maresca with a choice among Rayan Cherki, Iliman Ndiaye, Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo for the attacking positions behind Haaland.
The remaining uncertainty concerns fitness on City’s left side. Semenyo withdrew from Ghana duty with an ankle problem, while Nico O’Reilly also withdrew from England’s squad after a knock. Neither player’s availability had been definitively addressed in the initial pre-match reporting. If O’Reilly is not ready, Joško Gvardiol is expected to continue at left-back; Doku provides an alternative if Maresca opts against starting Semenyo.
An early projected lineup therefore places Gianluigi Donnarumma behind Matheus Nunes, Marc Guéhi, Rúben Dias and Gvardiol, with Enzo Fernández and Elliot Anderson in central midfield. Ndiaye, Cherki and Doku are possible starters behind Haaland, but that remains a prediction rather than an official team announcement.
Liverpool have significant selection difficulties of their own. Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are ruled out following injuries sustained on international duty, forcing Andoni Iraola to reshape his attack. Their absence affects the hosts’ options, but does not by itself establish that City will control the match or find Anfield an easier assignment.
City arrive with five victories from five league matches and a six-point advantage over unbeaten Liverpool. Maintaining that perfect start will require more than Haaland’s availability: Maresca must balance creativity, defensive cover and the fitness of his returning internationals against a home side seeking to close the early-season gap.
