Key Takeaways:
- Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that Erling Haaland has regained fitness and will be available for Manchester City’s Premier League match against Liverpool on Sunday
- Maresca has won his first five Premier League fixtures as City manager and is aiming for a sixth consecutive victory at Anfield
- This marks Maresca’s third spell at Manchester City, having progressed through the academy and served on the coaching staff, including the 2022-2023 treble-winning campaign
Haaland Cleared for Liverpool Showdown
Manchester City have received a timely boost ahead of their anticipated encounter against Liverpool, as manager Enzo Maresca confirmed Erling Haaland is fit to play following the international break. Maresca addressed the media on Friday, clarifying that the Norwegian striker has returned to full fitness and will be available for selection for Sunday’s fixture at Anfield.
BREAKING: Erling Haaland is "good" and "ready" for #ManCity against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, says Enzo Maresca.
Enzo: "Finally! He’s good! He’s good! He went to Marbella, two or three days off, played golf, recovery, and ready for Anfield. He’s good, thank you!
"It was good [to see him again]. Also because, again, the players are thinking about international teams, some days off, and then go again. It was good!"
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) October 9, 2026
Maresca Emphasises Focus Amid Anfield Atmosphere
The Italian manager acknowledged the formidable environment his team will encounter at Anfield, expecting a passionate reception from the home supporters. He stressed the importance for his players to concentrate solely on their performance on the pitch, highlighting that this aspect remains within their control despite external factors.
Managerial Milestone Within Reach
At the age of 46, Maresca is striving to extend his unbeaten start in the Premier League, having secured five wins from his opening five matches at the helm of Manchester City. A victory against Liverpool would see him become part of an exclusive group of managers who have achieved six consecutive league wins at the outset of their tenure in the competition.
Maresca’s Manchester City Connections
This fixture marks a significant moment in Maresca’s third stint with the Manchester club. He previously progressed through the City academy, later returned as an assistant to Pep Guardiola, and was a key member of the backroom staff during the historic 2022-2023 campaign, when City clinched a treble.
