While You Were Asleep: Haaland doubtful for Liverpool, Saliba set to miss clash against Leeds, Richarlison hits back at ‘mutiny leader’ allegations
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is in serious doubt against Liverpool to be played at the Etihad on Saturday as the forward is yet to overcome a groin problem.
Erling Haaland missed international duty and has missed the last two days of training with a groin issue.
Haaland’s father Alfie has already indicated that the 22-year-old is unlikely to play if he hasn’t returned to training.
He said last week: “You can’t just go two weeks without training and then jump right into a fight. There must be a progression there.”
.@leroy_sane’s stunning strike making it 5-0 against Liverpool in 2017! 💫⏮️ pic.twitter.com/oiGPReIhYc
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 30, 2023
“They can gamble on it, but if he doesn’t get proper training with the team then he won’t play.”
Losing Haaland would be a huge blow to Guardiola who is already without Phil Foden after the England star underwent surgery to remove his appendix.
.@KevinDeBruyne opening the scoring against Liverpool at the Etihad last season! 👑 pic.twitter.com/Gql24N1kKM
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 29, 2023
Liverpool have beaten City twice this season in the Community Shield and in the Premier League at Anfield in October.
Arsenal’s Saliba doubtful against Leeds
William Saliba is expected to miss Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Leeds as the defender continues to recover from a back injury.
William Saliba was forced off during the side’s Europa League defeat Sporting. He remained absent for Crystal Palace and withdrew from the France squad.
💬 “Now it has to be about enjoying the last part of the season, with enthusiasm, energy and a real hunger to continue to do what we’ve done, and if possible better.”
The boss has his say on the final @premierleague run-in 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 30, 2023
The Frenchman has started all but one of Arsenal’s league games this season, forming a strong partnership with Brazilian Gabriel.
On Friday, neither Saliba nor Eddie Nketiah trained with Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of Saturday’s visit of Leeds.
His absence would represent a big blow to Arsenal, who are 10 games away from securing the Premier League title.
Limbering up for Leeds 💪
📍 London Colney pic.twitter.com/yRK4iJEkKn
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 30, 2023
Arsenal are chasing a first league crown in 19 years as they look to maintain eight-point advantage over Manchester City.
I’ve always had a lot of respect for Antonio Conte: Richarlison
Tottenham forward Richarlison has hit back at “mutiny leader” allegations that he issued an ultimatum to the former Spurs boss Antonio Conte before his exit mutual consent on Sunday.
Questioning and criticizing me as a player for my performance is part of football and I got it. However, telling lies about me, I don’t accept! I’ve always had a lot of respect for Conte and for all my coaches. pic.twitter.com/uWZmOa8MVx
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) March 30, 2023
Richarlison has been accused of leading a mutiny against the Italian boss. However, the forward has has denied the rumours and described them on twitter as ‘lies.’
“Questioning and criticising me as a player for my performance is part of football and I got it,” Richarlison said on Twitter.
“However, telling lies about me, I don’t accept! I’ve always had a lot of respect for Conte and for all my coaches.
“He helped me a lot in my (sic) coming to the Spurs and, whenever we had a problem (even if it was public) we solved it based on conversation and professionalism – and this he can confirm.
“I wasn’t a mutiny leader against him, it was quite the opposite. I’m sorry I didn’t deliver as much as he expected of me and I didn’t do enough for him to stay.
“When he left, I sent him a message thanking him for everything and wishing him the best cause that’s what he deserves!
“On the other hand, the journal responsible for this awful lie did not even do the least which would be talking to my PR or lening to me. Bad professional and bad character! And shame on you, TyC Sports!”