Pep Guardiola has revealed concerns surrounding Erling Haaland's fitness in the run-up to the Champions League clash against Copenhagen, that could cause worries ahead of the Premier League showdown with Liverpool.
The English top-flight champions went in to the clash in Denmark looking for a win that would book their place in the knock-out stages of Europe's premier club competition.
However, the match was far from straight forward.
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A first-half that saw multiple VAR reviews, a red card, and a missed penalty created all sort of headaches for Pep Guardiola at the half-time interval.
Rodri saw a screamer from distance ruled out due to a handball in the build-up from Riyad Mahrez.
Shortly after, the Algeria international saw a spot-kick saved, after City had received the penalty via a handball in the Copenhagen box.
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Sergio Gomez made matters worse moments later, seeing red for denying what was deemed a clear goalscoring opportunity.
For City, Erling Haaland saw no action.
The Norway international remained on the bench after a hectic run of games during the start to his Etihad career.
However, while many thought it was simple rotation, Pep Guardiola has revealed post-match that Haaland was enduring minor fitness problems in the run-up to the game.
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The Manchester City manager said after the draw in the Danish capital, "Many players didn't start today because they were exhausted and tired and fatigued and niggles.
"Erling (Haaland) didn't feel really good after the game against Southampton, Phil (Foden) had some disturbing problems, Bernardo (Silva) told us yesterday he was so tired."
Guardiola continued by offering insight into the specific issues surrounding his Norwegian striker.
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He revealed, "He finished the game against Southampton so, so tired and he didn't recover well in these last few days.
"Yesterday was not good.
"Today was a little bit better but we decided not to take the risk."
Manchester City travel to Anfield looking to maintain their unbeaten run to the season.
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A win against Jurgen Klopp's struggling Reds would be a real statement from the reigning Premier League champions, as they look to endure more pain on the Anfield collective.
Topics: Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, Southampton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Anfield, Premier League
Freddie Pye