Enzo Maresca has the international break to factor into his plans when City travel to Liverpool tomorrow.
City had 16 players away with their countries, and Maresca now has to prepare for two big games in four days, with Paris Saint-Germain visiting the Etihad in the Champions League on Wednesday. Anfield comes first, but the City boss may have to be careful with some of those who have only just returned to Manchester.
Haaland among those returning from international duty
Erling Haaland attracted attention during the break when Norway manager Stale Solbakken described him as “thoroughly spent” after their defeat to Portugal. There is no suggestion Haaland will miss the Liverpool game. Maresca has confirmed the striker is available and, given his start to the season, it would be a major surprise if he did not lead the line at Anfield.
He is not the only player who has been away. As our international break review showed, Maresca had a sizeable chunk of his squad scattered around the world while preparations continued in Manchester.
There are also fitness concerns elsewhere. Nico O’Reilly withdrew from the England squad, while Antoine Semenyo returned early from Ghana duty. Semenyo is back in training, but O’Reilly remains a doubt for tomorrow. Maresca already has several selection decisions to make against Liverpool, including how he replaces the suspended Phil Foden.
The PSG game makes his job a little harder. City will have only Monday and Tuesday between the two fixtures, so players asked to complete 90 minutes at Anfield could be required again three days later.
Maresca is unlikely to weaken his side significantly against Liverpool, particularly with City having won their opening five Premier League games. How he uses his bench could be just as important, especially if the game gives him a chance to take minutes out of the legs of some of his internationals.
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