Erling Haaland injury gives Pep Guardiola a midfield dilemma for Liverpool FC fixture

Manchester City’s star man Erling Haaland was withdrawn from Norway’s international fixture against the Faroe Islands after suffering his second ankle injury this season. He confirmed on Saturday that he'll miss his country's game against Scotland this week and will continue treatment in a bid to be fit for City's huge fixture vs Liverpool next weekend.

Haaland previously went off injured in City’s 6-1 thrashing of Bournemouth at half time after feeling a ‘discomfort’ in his ankle but did not miss any subsequent matches. It's hoped he'll return almost as quickly this time.

City are already without several first-team players due to injury, and if Haaland is to miss the Reds’ trip to the Etihad, the Blues and Pep Guardiola will have to decide who will fill the void for the top-of-the-table clash.

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Haaland has already scored 13 goals in 12 games in the Premier League this season, continuing his relentless goalscoring form, so it will be difficult for any player attempting to fill his shoes. He has not missed a single league match this season, so it will be an anxious wait for Guardiola awaiting further news on the severity of the injury.

Last season, Julian Alvarez played up front when he was in the starting 11 for City, but he was frequently benched when Haaland was available due to the Norwegian's exceptional form. This season Alvarez has adopted a number 10 attacking midfield role in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne.

Alvarez could potentially start as the number 9 for City against Liverpool, allowing for Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden to start in midfield, but this may disrupt City’s