Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca took time out of a difficult press conference to offer a reassuring update on Erling Haaland's fitness ahead of monumental games against Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.
Erling Haaland was taken off on Norway duty against Portugal owing to fatigue.More Videos
As expected, Maresca spent most of his Friday pre-match press conference fielding questions from reporters about the Premier League guilty verdict that was published at the start of the international break.
However, there was also time for some discussion that bears more immediate relevance to Manchester City fans ahead of two massive upcoming clashes against Liverpool and PSG: the availability of Maresca's squad, all of whom will have spent much of the break being asked about the verdict and their futures.
Fitness doubts were raised about talisman Erling Haaland, who was substituted in Norway's final game - and Maresca was able to provide some clarity on whether his star striker will be ready to go at Anfield.
A new report has confirmed Erling Haaland's fitness status ahead of this weekend's clash between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield.cityxtra.co.ukClarification Issued on Suspected Erling Haaland Injury Ahead of Man City Trip to Liverpool
A new report has confirmed Erling Haaland's fitness status ahead of this weekend's clash between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield.
Maresca on Haaland fitness: He went to Marbella, he's good!
The subject of Haaland's availability was the first and only on-pitch topic to be raised in the press conference, and the Italian was visibly relieved to be asked about something other than the verdict.
"He's good! He went to Marbella, two or three days off, played golf, recovery and ready for Anfield. He's good, thank you!"
The news will be music to the ears of Manchester City fans everywhere; Haaland has once again started the season in imperious form and already has seven goals for his club. Maresca also touched on the need for players to switch focus between their club duties and international allegiances.
"It was good [to see him again]. Also because, again, the players are thinking about international teams, some days off, and then go again. It was good!"
A packed international schedule for Haaland
Despite plenty of talk before the international break about the need to manage Haaland's minutes, he started all four of Norway's UEFA Nations' League games over the three weeks.
The forward scored twice in a win over Denmark and netted as his country lost to Portugal, but then drew blanks against Wales and in the reverse fixture against Ruben Dias and co.
In the last of those games, Haaland was substituted off relatively early and appeared fatigued in the second half. His international manager Ståle Solbakken, however, later clarified that the switch was planned and that Haaland was one of a number of Norway players who left the team camp to recharge before heading back to his club.
Haaland looking to strike at Anfield again
If the team is to overcome what will certainly be a hostile atmosphere at Anfield, a typically battling and aggressive performance from the big Norwegian will be essential.
Last season, he assisted Bernardo Silva's equaliser before scoring a late winning penalty to lead Manchester City to a 2-1 win over Liverpool. That was the club's first win at Anfield in front of fans since 2003.
Assuming he leads the line once again, Haaland will be charged with keeping Virgil Van Dijk busy and will be looking to extend his scoring streak.
In City's last away game, he netted the only goal as his 10-man side edged Manchester United at Old Trafford. This weekend, one of the early defining moments of Maresca's tenure may rest of the shoulders of the country's most lethal striker once again.