Man City vs Liverpool: Erling Haaland not in squad due to injury

Man City vs Liverpool: Erling Haaland not in squad due to injury. 

The highly anticipated clash between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025, is overshadowed by the absence of Erling Haaland due to a knee injury. This match is critical for both teams, with Liverpool aiming to maintain their lead in the Premier League while City seeks to secure a top-four finish for Champions League qualification.

Erling Haaland, who has been a pivotal figure for Manchester City this season, sustained a knee injury during a dominant 4-0 victory over Newcastle United. Despite being included in the squad for the Champions League match against Real Madrid, he did not feature, raising concerns about his fitness for this crucial league encounter. Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that Haaland was experiencing discomfort and would undergo tests to determine his availability for the match against Liverpool[3][5][6].

Haaland's absence is significant; he has scored 27 goals across all competitions this season, making him one of the most lethal forwards in Europe. His physical presence and goal-scoring ability have been instrumental to City’s attacking strategy. Without him, Guardiola may turn to January signing Omar Marmoush, who recently showcased his capabilities by scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle. Marmoush's performance could provide City with a much-needed attacking threat against a strong Liverpool defense[5][6].

Liverpool comes into this match sitting at the top of the Premier League table, eight points clear of Arsenal. However, they are under pressure after dropping points in their last outing, a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. The Reds have shown resilience this season but have also exhibited defensive vulnerabilities that City will be eager to exploit[1][4]. Key players like Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz will be crucial for Liverpool as they look to capitalize on any defensive lapses from City.

In addition to Haaland, City faces other injury concerns. Defender John Stones is likely sidelined due to a thigh injury sustained against Real Madrid, and midfielder Rodri is also out with a knee issue. These injuries could force Guardiola into making tactical adjustments as he attempts to navigate through an already challenging season[5][6].

The stakes are high for both teams. For Manchester City, this match represents an opportunity to recover from their recent Champions League exit and regain momentum in the league. Conversely, Liverpool aims to solidify their position at the top and fend off any challengers as they push for the title. The absence of Haaland could tilt the balance in favor of the visitors if City cannot effectively replace his contributions on the pitch.

As kickoff approaches at 4:30 PM GMT, fans are left wondering how both teams will adapt to these challenges. Will City find a way to compensate for Haaland's absence? Can Liverpool capitalize on City's vulnerabilities? This clash promises to be an exciting encounter filled with high stakes and intense competition as both teams strive for victory in their respective campaigns.