Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland missed Manchester City's Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday due to an injury sustained in the previous match against Newcastle. The striker was not even fit enough for the bench, watching from the stands as City drew 1-1 at the Etihad.
Haaland had been an unused substitute in City's 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League play-off second leg on Wednesday. He picked up the issue during the 4-0 win over Newcastle on 15 February and has struggled to recover in time for the Liverpool game.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola said: 'Yesterday after training, he improved but he didn't feel good. Obviously we miss him but during these nine years we played many times without really important players. We survived.' The decision to leave Haaland out was made on Saturday following the final training session.
In Haaland's absence, Phil Foden and Omar Marmoush led the line against Liverpool's centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Guardiola explained his tactical choice: 'They are the type of players to play this way but we need fresh, young players. Fresh legs and good energy. The game in Madrid was tough for us so today we decide to go for this.'
Guardiola also acknowledged the challenge posed by Liverpool, stating: 'We know Liverpool are going to create. Always in previous seasons under Jurgen Klopp for the quality they have they have created chances.' The draw leaves City fourth in the Premier League, 17 points behind leaders Liverpool.
