Ryan Smart
Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.
Manchester City star Erling Haaland is a doubt for his side's next fixture, according to the player's father - which could work in the favour of both Liverpool and Arsenal.
Haaland is the top scorer in the Premier League this season, with an incredible 28 goals to his name in just 26 matches.
He has scored over 43 per cent of City's overall goal tally in the league, as well as a further 10 goals in six Champions League appearances.
The Norwegian has seamlessly adapted to life in England, having moved to the Etihad Stadium from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
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One of the factors behind the forward's form has been his almost ever-present availability, with the 22-year-old missing only two club games through injury so far this season.
But he suffered a groin problem during the 6-0 win over Burnley in the FA Cup quarter-final last weekend - a game during which he smashed in a hat-trick.
And despite joining up with the Norway squad, he was forced to withdraw - and the player's father, Alf Inge Haaland, has revealed his son visited a hospital in Barcelona for checks.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet TV2 (quotes via Liverpool Echo), former City midfielder Alf Inge explained: "Manchester City has a partnership with a hospital in Barcelona so he has been there for further checks and treatment.
"Now he has been here [Marbella] for a couple of days with the physio from the club.
"Firstly, I'm not a doctor and secondly, I think it's 'touch and go' [to be fit for City's next fixture], yes. You can't just go two weeks without training and then jump right into a fight. There must be a progression there.
"They can gamble on it, but if he doesn't get proper training with the team, then he won't play. It is about how he responds to treatment in the next few days.
"He needs a lot of care and 'knuckling'. There are many sprints and there is a lot to move."
City's first fixture after the international break is against Liverpool, meaning Jurgen Klopp's side will be handed a boost if Haaland is not passed fit to play.
His absence could be advantageous for Arsenal, who can extend their eight-point advantage at the top of the Premier League over City if Pep Guardiola's side fail to defeat the Reds. They host Leeds at the Emirates Stadium.
Topics: Arsenal, Manchester City, Erling Haaland, Premier League, Liverpool, Pep Guardiola