Manchester City's star man Erling Haaland was withdrawn from Norway's international fixture against the Faroe Islands after suffering his second ankle injury this season. He confirmed on Saturday that he'll miss his country's game against Scotland this week and will continue treatment in a bid to be fit for City's huge fixture vs Liverpool next weekend.
Haaland previously went off injured in City's 6-1 thrashing of Bournemouth at half time after feeling a 'discomfort' in his ankle but did not miss any subsequent matches. It's hoped he'll return almost as quickly this time.
City are already without several first-team players due to injury, and if Haaland is to miss the Reds' trip to the Etihad, the Blues and Pep Guardiola will have to decide who will fill the void for the top-of-the-table clash.
Haaland has already scored 13 goals in 12 games in the Premier League this season, continuing his relentless goalscoring form, so it will be difficult for any player attempting to fill his shoes. He has not missed a single league match this season, so it will be an anxious wait for Guardiola awaiting further news on the severity of the injury.
Last season, Julian Alvarez played up front when he was in the starting 11 for City, but he was frequently benched when Haaland was available due to the Norwegian's exceptional form. This season Alvarez has adopted a number 10 attacking midfield role in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne.
Alvarez could potentially start as the number 9 for City against Liverpool, allowing for Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden to start in midfield, but this may disrupt City's play which we have seen throughout the season so far.
Alvarez has been solid from midfield this season and Guardiola may not want to disrupt this form. The Argentine has been prolific, with four goals and four assists. dominating the midfield alongside Phil Foden this season and providing service to the forwards, so it may not benefit City to alter this.
Guardiola is always prepared for any scenario, so City could opt for the false 9, which we have seen them do often after the departure of Sergio Aguero saw them struggling without a staple number 9, but who could play in that role?
With the current form of Alvarez in midfield, Guardiola might not want to take him out of this midfield and risk disrupting the confidence and form of the player, as well as the momentum of the team. Alvarez has appeared comfortable in midfield since the start of this season.
It means Foden may be the only sensible replacement option. The England starlet has played in this role in the past, and has performed when he has been called upon by manager Pep Guardiola.
The threat Haaland poses will be a massive miss for City if his injury problem is to keep him sidelined, however City will hope that the recurring injury is once again only a discomfort, and not a serious issue which will prevent Haaland from starring in the ruthless Christmas run-in and the Club World Cup.
City have many potential options to fall back on should Haaland miss the game, and the competition will be a fierce one against a tough opponent in good form.