Guardiola provides concerning Haaland and Stones injury updates | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has provided updates on the fitness of two of his key players ahead of Manchester City's Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

Striker Erling Haaland had to be substituted with a knee injury during last week's 4-0 victory over Newcastle, and was subsequently an unused substitute during the midweek Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid.

And when asked about the Norwegian's fitness, Guardiola said he is hopeful but unsure whether Haaland will feature against Liverpool.

"I don't know yet. Tomorrow we'll know it, I don't know yet," said Guardiola.

"Yeah, maybe [I'm hopeful], but I don't know because we don't train today, until tomorrow he will test."

And there was worse news regarding the fitness of defender John Stones, who limped off after just seven minutes at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, and will likely now need surgery on a thigh injury.

"He's injured, a difficult one," said Guardiola in respect of Stones.

"Next hours, days we'll know if he needs surgery or not... Yeah [a long period out], like Manu Akanji."

A win for City against league leaders Liverpool at the Etihad would see the reigning Premier League champions strengthen their grip on fourth place in the table.

📸 JAVIER SORIANO - AFP or licensors