Manchester City’s trip to Anfield has picked up a fresh storyline.
Erling Haaland limped out of Norway’s Nations League defeat to Portugal on Sunday, and City now have to wait for news on a player who has been central to their perfect start to the season.
It is important to be clear about what is and is not known.
Haaland beckoned to the bench to be substituted in the 67th minute of the Group A4 tie in Porto, with the score at 1-1.
He was replaced by Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen.
He appeared to feel something and asked to come off.
It remains to be seen what the problem is or how serious it might be, and at the time of writing no statement has been issued by the Norwegian FA or the team’s management.
Whether this is a genuine injury, a precaution or a minor knock has not been confirmed.
The match itself went badly for Norway.
Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer put them ahead in the 36th minute with a half-volley from the edge of the box, assisted by Martin Odegaard.
Joao Cancelo equalised two minutes later, and Goncalo Ramos scored the winner with 11 minutes left.
Portugal finished with 10 men after Francisco Conceicao was sent off for two quick bookings.
It was Norway’s third successive Nations League defeat, leaving them bottom of the group, and Haaland has now failed to score in back-to-back games for his country.
For City, the timing matters because of what comes next.
Enzo Maresca’s side travel to Anfield on Sunday for Matchweek 6, their first match since being found reportedly guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
City have lodged an appeal.
Haaland’s importance to the start of their season is clear from the numbers.
He has scored seven goals in seven games across all competitions, including five in five Premier League appearances.
City sit top of the table with five wins from five.
Without him, Maresca would lose his most reliable source of goals against a Liverpool side that has not been convincing but has built an encouraging underlying record, with only Arsenal and Nottingham Forest posting a better expected goals against figure after five matchweeks.
City may also be without Phil Foden as he is suspended for the Liverpool fixture after being sent off for kicking Bruno Fernandes in their Manchester derby clash.
Liverpool have concerns of their own, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both reported to have picked up injuries during the international break.
For now, City can only wait for confirmation from Norway or from their own medical staff.
The matchup against Liverpool is a week away, and whether Haaland is fit to start it will not be known until that assessment comes in.
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