Erling Haaland sidelined again due to injury concerns

In England, Manchester City faced a challenging matchup against Liverpool on February 22, 2025. The team was without their star striker, Erling Haaland, who missed the game due to ongoing knee issues. Haaland, who has been a crucial asset for City with 27 goals this season, had previously sustained the injury during a match against Newcastle. His absence was a significant setback for the team, as manager Pep Guardiola expressed hope that he could return soon but ultimately decided against risking him in the important fixture against one of their toughest rivals. Furthermore, Manchester City also dealt with another significant injury blow when defender John Stones was forced off early in their midweek match against Real Madrid. Stones had collided with Kylian Mbappe, leading to concerns that he could be out for months. Guardiola was worried that Stones may require surgery, a situation that would further deplete his options in the backline as City struggled with injuries throughout the season. Adding to the complications, Spaniard Rodri continued to be sidelined, showcasing the team's susceptibility to injuries. Guardiola had faith that the depth within his squad could help navigate these injuries, stating that City had managed without key players in previous seasons. However, the cumulative impact of injuries has made it difficult for the squad to maintain competitive performance levels, leading to a substantial 17-point gap behind Liverpool in the league standings. As the season progresses, the potential of missing out on key players like Haaland and Stones raises questions about Manchester City's title ambitions. Guardiola is hopeful that Haaland can recover soon, especially since he is vital for their offensive capabilities. Meanwhile, the manager is likely to adapt his strategies continuously, drawing from his team's depth and resilience despite the unfortunate circumstances brought about by injuries.