Pep Guardiola reveals Erling Haaland's World Cup plans ahead of Liverpool clash

Pep Guardiola has revealed Erling Haaland's plans for the upcoming World Cup as Manchester City prepare for a huge test against Liverpool on Sunday.

City were held to a goalless draw by Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday after Guardiola's men claimed a 4-0 victory over Southampton at the weekend.

Erling Haaland was on the scoresheet for a remarkable 20th time in 13 outings this season against the Saints, slamming home from Joao Cancelo's cross for City's fourth.

The Norwegian has made an incredible start to life in England after joining Manchester City for £51 million from Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Haaland is sitting well clear at the top of the Premier League scoring charts, with 13 strikes to his name in the league ahead of Sunday's trip to Anfield.

There were concerns over the 22-year-old's fitness ahead of this weekend's clash after Haaland was benched against Copenhagen in midweek.

Pep Guardiola confirmed in his press conference on Friday however that the Norway international is fit and available for Sunday.

Haaland is on course to slam every scoring record that can be thought of if he maintains the start he has managed since the start of the season.

Manchester City will be handed an additional boost over the Leeds-born forward's fitness as he will not be taking part in the World Cup in November.

The aforementioned period could give Haaland the perfect opportunity to rest, recover and prepare himself for the second half of his debut season in Manchester.

Speaking about his striker's plans for the World Cup ahead of the Liverpool game, Guardiola said: "I don't know the plan.

"Maybe 10 days, two weeks go away on holiday with his family, then two weeks to reignite our rhythm before we come back after the World Cup.

"I'm sure he (Haaland) would prefer to be at the World Cup but unfortunately this time he can't go."