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Superstar striker Erling Haaland was not named in the Manchester City squad to face Liverpool on Saturday.
The Norway sensation has been struggling with a groin injury in recent days.
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Haaland has been in stunning form this season
On Friday, manager Pep Guardiola said Haaland faced a late fitness test for the Reds’ visit to the Etihad – live on talkSPORT.
Now, it has been confirmed the 42-goal striker will play no part in the Saturday lunchtime showdown.
World Cup winner Julian Alvarez starts in place of Haaland, who was not deemed fit enough for a place on the bench.
City enter the clash eight points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, with a game in hand on the Gunners.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are also desperate for three points in their bid to finish inside the top four.
However, Klopp insisted he was not concerned about whether or not Haaland would start.
AFP
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When asked if he has to prepare differently for the 22-year-old, the Reds boss replied: “Not too much.
“First and foremost when you prepare a game you prepare all the things to avoid the final pass where Erling really comes into the game and makes all the difference.
“If he doesn’t play that makes City different but not weaker because City’s used to playing without a striker.
“They became champions without a striker so they have different ways of playing.”
Ex-Man City defender Stuart Pearce disagrees and insists the absence of Haaland represents a huge blow for Guardiola’s side.
Pearce told talkSPORT: “He’s a massive miss and he offers something slightly different.
“He will be more of a miss than you think.”
Showdown Saturday on talkSPORT
On Saturday 1 April, it’s all kicking off on talkSPORT.
12:30pm: Starting the day, Man City host Liverpool in a key Premier League game.
3pm: Crystal Palace vs Leicester sees the return of Roy Hodgson to the Selhurst Park dugout.
7pm: Build-up begins for the heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin as AJ starts his route back to the top.
What. A. Day.
You can tune in to talkSPORT via our free online streaming service at talkSPORT.com, DAB digital radio, download the talkSPORT app, or ask your smart speaker to play talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2. talkSPORT is also widely available across the UK on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Source: TalkSport | Read More
