Haaland fit after injury scare, Semenyo returns to training
Erling Haaland is available for selection for Manchester City's trip to Liverpool on Sunday, manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
The 26-year-old was seen limping off during Norway's 2-1 defeat to Portugal last week, sparking concerns over his fitness for the Anfield clash. But Maresca moved to allay those fears in his pre-match press conference.
He's good. He went to Marbella, had two or three days off, played golf. Had some recovery. He's ready for Anfield. He's good, the players are thinking: international teams, some days off and go again. He was good.
Haaland's return is a major fillip for City, who have scored 18 goals this season. The striker has combined with Antoine Semenyo to net nine of those.
Semenyo, who was forced to withdraw from international duty after picking up an ankle injury during the 5-3 win over Sunderland last month, was pictured in training this week. That confirms his recovery, even if Maresca wasn't asked about him directly.
There remains uncertainty over Nico O'Reilly, however. The 21-year-old started England's 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley but was forced to withdraw soon afterwards and returned to the club for further medical examinations. Maresca was not asked about his fitness during the press conference.
In O'Reilly's absence, Josko Gvardiol has been selected to start at left-back in recent games. The Croatian international will more than likely keep his place when City face Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.
City fans will be relieved to have Haaland and Semenyo available. With nine goals between them, their presence could be decisive on Merseyside.