Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has claimed that Erling Braut Haaland is not guaranteed to start Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool.
The Norway international was an unused substitute in Tuesday's Champions League game with Copenhagen, with the Citizens failing to find the back of the net in a goalless draw in Denmark.
After the match, Guardiola revealed that Haaland 'did not feel good' following the game with Southampton at the weekend, with the 22-year-old therefore given a rest in the European contest.
"He finished the game against Southampton so, so tired and he didn't recover well these [last] two or three days. Yesterday was not good, today was a little bit better but not perfect and that's why we decided not to take the risk," the Man City boss told reporters on Tuesday night.
"Many players didn't start today because they were really exhausted and tired and fatigued, and [had] niggles. Erling didn't feel really good after the game against Southampton."
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When asked by TV2 whether Haaland would be able to return against Liverpool in the league on Sunday, Guardiola could not guarantee that the striker would feature.
"We will have to see tomorrow, I hope he will be ready," said the Man City head coach.
Haaland has been in incredible form for the Citizens during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 20 goals and registering three assists in 13 appearances in all competitions.
The centre-forward has five goals in three Champions League fixtures this term, while he has found the back of the net on 15 occasions in nine appearances in the Premier League.
Man City have won their last three Premier League matches, which has left them in second position in the table on 23 points, one point behind leaders Arsenal, while they are 13 points ahead of 10th-placed Liverpool.
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Speaking ahead of the clash with Copenhagen on Tuesday evening, Guardiola said that the Norwegian was one of the best strikers that he has ever managed.
"He is one of the best. I have many very, very good strikers and Erling is one of them," Guardiola told reporters.
"He understands quickly and he is a nice guy. He is able to do this for the team, but we need to work together and that has happened. I speak a lot about him, but sometimes I should not have to because the numbers, they do this."
Haaland has only failed to score in one of his nine league appearances this term, while he has already managed three Premier League hat-tricks for the Citizens.
Man City are winless in their last four matches against Liverpool in all competitions, including a 3-1 defeat when the two teams locked horns in the Community Shield earlier this season.
Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips will again definitely be out for the champions this weekend, while John Stones remains a doubt due to a hamstring problem.
Matt Law
