Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit and available for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield, easing concerns over the striker’s condition ahead of one of the season’s toughest fixtures.
Haaland’s availability will provide a significant boost for City as they prepare to resume domestic football following an extended international break that covered September and October. The Norwegian striker had sparked fitness concerns after being withdrawn during Norway’s UEFA Nations League defeat to Portugal earlier this month.
The substitution was understood to be precautionary, but the timing raised questions about whether Haaland would be ready for City’s trip to Merseyside. The forward remains a crucial figure in City’s attacking plans as they seek to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Italian coach dismissed concerns over the striker’s fitness, confirming that Haaland had recovered during the international break and would be available for the encounter.
“He’s good. He went to Marbella, because he had two, three days off, played golf. He’s ready for Anfield so he’s good.”
Enzo Maresca, Manchester City Manager
Haaland’s Influence Propels City
Haaland’s return to full fitness comes at an important stage for City, who have won all five of their opening Premier League matches and sit at the top of the table.
Such fine form is partly due to the prolific nature of the Norwegian striker, who has scored five goals in five Premier League games this season. The 26-year-old has added two more goals to that number in six games across all competitions.
The extended break given to the Manchester City players offered the squad an opportunity to recover from a demanding schedule, with several of them returning from international assignments before resuming preparations for the league campaign.
Maresca admitted that seeing his players back at the club was encouraging after three weeks of international football and time away from the training ground. “It was good to see him [Haaland] and the rest of the squad,” the City manager said, explaining that the players had returned their attention to club football after spending time with their national teams.
Haaland’s fitness will be particularly important against a Liverpool side expected to test City’s defensive organisation and ability to manage pressure in a hostile atmosphere.
The Norwegian’s presence gives City a recognised goalscoring threat as they attempt to preserve their unbeaten league record and strengthen their position at the summit.
Foden Suspended for Anfield Encounter
While Haaland is available, City will be without England international Phil Foden, who remains suspended following his dismissal in last month’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United.
Foden’s absence removes another attacking option from Maresca’s selection, leaving the manager to consider alternative combinations for a fixture in which City’s ability to create and convert chances could prove crucial.
Despite the setback, Maresca insisted that his players were capable of handling the demands of playing at Anfield, where the atmosphere can intensify the pressure on visiting teams.
Asked whether there were bigger tests than facing Liverpool away from home, the City boss acknowledged the difficulty of the assignment. “Yeah, it will be a tough game, Liverpool, for sure. A big test, as you said,” he stated.
He added that the team needed to remain prepared and focused, recognising the significance of the Anfield environment while insisting that their responsibility remained to deliver a strong performance.
Maresca also expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to cope with pressure, pointing to players who have experienced demanding football environments during their careers.
Maresca Focused on Football Amid City Legal Uncertainty
The Liverpool fixture comes amid continued uncertainty surrounding Manchester City’s legal battle with the Premier League.
The club has been found liable for the majority of the 115 charges brought against them, with an appeal process ongoing. The developments have placed additional attention on City ahead of their return to competitive action.
However, Maresca maintained that the situation would not distract him from preparing his team for Sunday’s match.
Asked whether he had personally read the verdict, the Italian said he trusted the club’s leadership and preferred to concentrate on matters within his control.
“I trust the club, because I know the people,” he explained, adding that his focus remained firmly on football.
The manager acknowledged that neither he nor his players could completely avoid the wider situation but stressed that their immediate responsibility was to compete and win matches.
On the possibility of an unsuccessful appeal, Maresca declined to speculate, arguing that the outcome remained unknown. “What if the appeal is won?” he asked, urging those involved to respect the ongoing process until a final outcome is established.
He also rejected suggestions that the uncertainty had affected the atmosphere within the squad, saying the environment at the club remained positive.
City Boss Confident Ahead of Crucial Away Fixture
Maresca’s comments come after England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed concern about the potential psychological effect of City’s legal situation on their players.
The City manager, however, insisted that there was little reason for immediate concern, particularly given the team’s strong start to the campaign. “At this moment we are top of the league,” Maresca said, explaining that the players had every reason to remain happy and excited about their performances.
He also responded humorously to suggestions about his future should the club lose its appeal, referencing his previous success in winning the Championship with Leicester City before joking about the prospect of managing in League One.
For now, though, Maresca’s attention remains on the challenge at Anfield, where City will seek to extend their winning start and reinforce their title credentials.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, with kick-off set for 15:30 GMT. With Haaland available but Foden suspended, City will aim to overcome Liverpool in a fixture that could provide an early indication of their ability to sustain their strong start under Maresca.
READ ALSO: Ministry of Health Declares Yellow Fever Outbreak in Upper West
