WIRTZ NO LONGER A PRIORITY AS MAN CITY IDENTIFIES KEVIN DE BRUYNE PERFECT REPLACEMENT

Pep Guardiola Provides Fresh Update on Erling Haaland Ahead of Huge Liverpool Clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided the latest update on Erling Haaland’s fitness ahead of their crucial Premier League showdown against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday.

Haaland, who suffered a late knock during City’s victory over Newcastle last weekend, was left out of the squad in midweek as the reigning European champions crashed out of the UEFA Champions League following their defeat to Real Madrid. His absence has fueled speculation about his availability for the Liverpool clash, and Guardiola has now addressed the uncertainty.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola admitted that Haaland remains a doubt but did not rule out his participation entirely.

“Don’t know yet. Tomorrow we will know, but I don’t know,” Guardiola revealed when asked about Haaland’s condition.

He further acknowledged the importance of having Haaland on the pitch, adding, “It’s better to have Erling on the pitch, but obviously, we don’t have him. With Erling, we are stronger.”

While Haaland’s situation remains unclear, Guardiola provided a more concerning update regarding John Stones. The 30-year-old defender, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season, was forced off just eight minutes into City’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid, adding to the club’s defensive woes.

Guardiola confirmed that Stones’ injury might require surgery, similar to Manuel Akanji, who recently underwent an operation on a thigh problem and is expected to be sidelined for up to ten weeks.

“He’s injured, a difficult one,” Guardiola said. “In the next hours, days, we’ll know if he needs surgery or not.”

When asked if Stones would be out for a long period, Guardiola responded: “Yeah, like Manu Akanji.”

The injuries come at a crucial time for City, who are currently trailing in the Premier League title race and have suffered elimination from the Champions League. Guardiola admitted that the team has lacked consistency this season but remains confident that they can still compete at the highest level.

“We can compete with any team,” the Spaniard insisted. “We have two central defenders out for two to three months. The Premier League is massively important for us. In the Premier League, we have played really good games.”

However, Guardiola acknowledged that inconsistency has plagued City’s performances. “We are not stable, but in other games such as against Newcastle, we have been at a high level. We will try to play a good game and get the points we need to stay up there and qualify for the Champions League next season.”

With Manchester City currently struggling to keep pace in the title race, the focus now shifts towards securing a top-four finish and ensuring they remain in Europe’s elite competition next season.

Guardiola’s concerns extend beyond injuries, as recent reports suggest that City are already planning for the future. The club is reportedly prioritizing finding a long-term successor for Kevin De Bruyne, with Florian Wirtz initially viewed as a primary target. However, City have since shifted their focus elsewhere, believing that a different player could be the ideal successor to De Bruyne.

With crucial matches on the horizon, including their clash against Liverpool, all eyes will be on Guardiola and his men as they look to salvage their campaign and finish the season on a high note.

As the fitness concerns of Haaland and Stones loom large, City fans will be hoping that their squad depth can step up in their absence and deliver a strong performance against their fierce rivals this weekend.

The stakes are high, and Guardiola knows that his side must respond. Whether Haaland features or not, Manchester City will need to be at their very best if they are to overcome a strong Liverpool side and keep their season on track.