Premier League news LIVE: Erling Haaland latest and injury updates from today’s press conferences
The Premier League is back following the international break as Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool kicks off the weekend’s fixtures
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana are set to be fit as the Premier League returns from the November international break this weekend.
All three players withdrew or were absent from their international squads over the past fortnight but are set to be available for their respective fixtures. Haaland was considered to be an injury doubt after picking up a knock in Norway’s friendly win against the Faroe Islands, but Pep Guardiola is hopeful he will be ready to face Liverpool in Saturday’s top-of-the table clash.
The battle between Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp kicks off when should be a fascinating run of fixtures leading up to Christmas and beyond. Along with the fight for first place, there’s the battle for fourth with Aston Villa, Manchester United, Newcastle and Brighton all chasing down Tottenham who currently sit in the final Champions League place. Villa face Spurs this weekend while United host Everton.
Speaking of the Toffees, they are once again in the midst of a relegation battle having been deducted 10-points for breaking the Premier League’s financial rules. The deduction sees them drop down to 19th above Burnley, and puts them two points away from safety.
Follow along for the latest updates and injury news from the Premier League:
Postecoglou on January planning
"In terms of January, the planning is well underway with that. Johan (Lange, technical director) has come in and he is leading that in terms of all the background work.
"My involvement won’t ramp up until we get closer to January and understanding exactly what our requirements are. Johan has brought in some people to help him in that area and we’ll work with him when the time’s right."
Erik ten Hag reveals Andre Onana and Luke Shaw injury update
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will have Andre Onana and Luke Shaw available for his side’s Premier League clash with Everton on Sunday.
Shaw has not been available for the Red Devils since Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Ten Hag’s men on 19 August, and has spent the last three months on the sidelines with an unspecified muscle injury.
In his absence, Sergio Reguilon, a loan signing from Spurs has been providing cover, with Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof and Sofyan Amrabat also filling in the vacant left-back position.
Erik ten Hag reveals Andre Onana and Luke Shaw injury update
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag explained the latest injury news at the club
Mauricio Pochettino provides Chelsea injury updates on Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia
Mauricio Pochettino insists Christopher Nkunku is closing in on his Chelsea debut but Newcastle United comes too soon for the French forward.
The Blues signed the former Leipzig star this summer, but a knee injury suffered in pre-season at the start of August has delayed his impact for his new side.
But the Argentine, after securing a win over Tottenham and a thrilling draw with champions Manchester city before the international break, provided an update on Nkunku, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill.
Mauricio Pochettino provides Chelsea injury update on Christopher Nkunku
Chelsea travel to Newcastle on Saturday but will remain without summer signings Nkunku and Romeo Lavia
Ten Hag on the return of Luke Shaw
“We can start by talking about his physical qualities, then his technical ability, his leadership. It’s clear,” said Erik ten Hag when asked how important Luke Shaw’s return will be for the team.
“For a long time this season, we didn’t even have a left full-back so we’re happy he’s back. We’ll be more stable with him in the side - I’m sure of that.”
Ten Hag on United’s progess
"Definitely we have seen a turning point,” said Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag when asked if his team had turned a corner into a more positive mindset. We've seen how we deal with certain situations and we've built a foundation.
"We now have a massive month and we head into it with confidence as in the Premier League anyone can beat anyone. There are no easy games.
"Every team will drop points but the last five games, we've won four and that has given us confidence going forward."
No further injury updates from Guardiola
“We have a few problems, the same as many clubs. We will see in the training session and we will see tomorrow at 12.30pm who is available.
“At 6pm I will know for sure which players I will have tomorrow. Always it’s plan A.”
Those were the thoughts of the Manchester City boss who kept his planning for tomorrow’s game close to his chest.
How does City vs Liverpool rivalry compare to Barcelona and Madrid’s?
Pep Guardiola was asked this question about of tomorrow’s big game. He said: “It’s different.
“If you compare it to Barcelona vs Real Madrid, Man City was never in the past 20 to 30 years a contender like Liverpool. But in the last decade, since I’ve been here, Liverpool have been our best rivals.
“This is the reality and of course, we are still there. That’s a big compliment to both Man City and Liverpool. After many, many years we are still there.”
Pep Guardiola ‘hopeful’ Erling Haaland will return from injury to face Liverpool
Pep Guardiola is hopeful Erling Haaland will return for Manchester City against Liverpool after withdrawing from the Norway squad during the international break.
“He’s trained with niggles yesterday, hopefully he can train today and we will see,” Guardiola said.
“We have a few problems, The same as many clubs. We will see in the training session and we will see tomorrow. At 6pm I will know for sure which players I will have tomorrow. Always it’s plan A.”
Pep Guardiola gives Erling Haaland injury update ahead of Liverpool clash
The Premier League’s top two meet at the Etihad Stadium in Saturday’s early kick-off
Pep Guardiola on Jurgen Klopp
“We are old friends. We know each other quite well.” Pep Guardiola said of Jurgen Klopp. The managers faced each other in the Bundesliga with Guardiola managing Bayern and Klopp in charge of Borussia Dortmund.
Now the old foes face off in the Premier League as Liverpool travel to Man City this weekend.
“Of course, the time goes forward with Jurgen eight or nine years at Liverpool and it is not the same players since the start.
“He’s rebuilt the team and the idea is similar. Of course, Trent Alexander -Arnold can sometimes play more inside and sometimes outside.
“They have always been our best rivals. They are a top club and a top team. We are looking forward to it.”
Klopp on Man City’s long winning run
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have won 23 games in a row at home before they take on Liverpool at the Etihad on Saturday. Jurgen Klopp was asked about the streak and replied:
“The longer a run goes, the more likely it will end! It is a tough game, but nothing I can say really makes them weaker.
“Whatever happened last year, or the year before that, is just a memory, nothing else, so we have to be ready for tomorrow. And that is what we try to be and if we are, if we can be really uncomfortable for them, then we have a chance.
“If they feel comfortable in their game, there is no team who can beat them. But if we can change that, there is a chance. Then we have to take it on top of that...
“It feels we are a bit closer, but on match days, you have to win the decisive battles on the pitch.”
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