The striker's absence snuffed out City's hopes in Madrid before a ball had been kicked — and that's a bad sign

With the ascension of Omar Marmoush, Mo Salah won’t be the only Egyptian star on the field when Liverpool clashes with City. After netting a hat trick against Newcastle in just 14 minutes, a firing Marmoush would certainly bring Guardiola a measure of relief, especially if Haaland remains compromised.

Erling Haaland missed Manchester City’s 3-1 defeat at Real Madrid on Wednesday, as Pep Guardiola's side missed their star striker badly. Haaland, 24, suffered a knee injury towards the end of City's 4-0 win against Newcastle last weekend.