Erling Haaland was back at Manchester City's training ground on Thursday, and by Friday Enzo Maresca had confirmed the striker is available for Sunday's trip to Anfield.
The Norwegian had left Norway's camp early during the international break after a fatigue-related issue in the match against Portugal. He spent the early part of this week resting at his Marbella home before returning to Manchester.
That Haaland is fit and firing matters, because his record against Liverpool is quietly ridiculous. Eight goals in 11 appearances — his sixth-highest tally against any club. The last time he faced them, in April's FA Cup win, he helped himself to a hat-trick.
City and Liverpool have dominated the English game for years, winning eight of the last nine Premier League titles between them. Sunday's 16:30 kick-off in Merseyside offers three significant points in the early stages of the 2026/27 season.
Off the pitch, the noise around Haaland refuses to die down. According to Football Insider, the 26-year-old is on the radar of several top clubs across Europe, with Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid among those interested. The Etihad club are extremely reluctant to sell one of their best players — and with five goals in as many Premier League games this season, it's easy to see why.
Haaland has also made his position clear. He offered full support to the club earlier this week amid their guilty top-flight verdict, and he aims to win more silverware under Maresca until the end of his contract in 2034.
That verdict, of course, hangs over everything. City were found guilty on 114 of the 115 charges brought against them. They have since lodged an appeal, and a new independent commission has 12 weeks to conduct a five-day hearing. If the appeal fails, the club could face a hefty points deduction resulting in relegation, a substantial fine, and a transfer embargo of an appropriate duration.
For now, the focus is on Anfield. Haaland is back, City have their man, and Sunday will tell us plenty about where this season is heading.