Manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday he was unsure whether the 24-year-old will be fit as the champions host Premier League leaders Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

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Guardiola said: "It is better to have Erling on the pitch than not have him, obviously, and with Erling we are in the position we are right now.



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Man City wait on Erling Haaland as John Stones faces lay-off	Pep: Haaland injury doubt for Liverpool clash	Man City's Haaland a doubt for Liverpool clash

Guardiola said: "He is injured, it is a difficult one and in the next hours or days we will know if he needs surgery or not."

City have endured a frustrating campaign by their lofty standards, having fallen well off the pace in the Premier League title race and exited the Champions League before the last-16 stage.

Injuries have been a major factor in the champions' decline and manager Guardiola conceded time may now be catching up with some of the players.

Guardiola confirmed he was not injured, meaning his absence was tactical.