Manchester City striker Erling Haaland faces a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Liverpool.

John Stones, though, may need surgery after sustaining an injury during Wednesday’s Champions League play-off second-leg loss against Real Madrid.

Haaland, 24, was an unused substitute in the defeat by Madrid, having been withdrawn early in the 4-0 win over Newcastle United four days earlier with what appeared to be a knee injury.

The Norway international appeared to jar his knee while assisting James McAtee’s fourth goal at the Etihad Stadium and stayed down on the pitch. He carried on playing before going down again three minutes later and being replaced. Pep Guardiola explained following the loss at the Bernabeu that Haaland had still been experiencing discomfort and was not deemed ready to play.

“Don’t know yet,” Guardiola told a news conference when asked whether Haaland will be available for Sunday’s home game against Liverpool. “Tomorrow, we’ll know it. Am I hopeful? Yeah, maybe but I don’t yet. We train today and tomorrow, he will test, I guess, but I don’t know.”

Stones, meanwhile, sustained his issue early on against Madrid and was substituted after just eight minutes. The 30-year-old was able to walk off the pitch without a stretcher and was replaced by Nathan Ake.

Stones played only eight minutes before getting injured during Wednesday’s game in Madrid (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Stones missed several games earlier in the campaign due to a foot injury and has been limited to just 20 appearances in all competitions. His latest fitness issue means he is at risk of missing next month’s England camp, with Thomas Tuchel set to take charge of his first matches as head coach with the pair of home World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

“He’s injured, difficult one,” Guardiola confirmed. “In the next hours, we will know if he needs surgery or not. Yeah (he will be a longer period out). Like Manu Akanji.”

Guardiola said last week that Akanji needed surgery on an adductor injury and faces “eight to 10” weeks out.

Haaland, who signed a new nine-and-a-half-year contract with City in January, has enjoyed another prolific campaign. He has scored 27 goals in all competitions, including 19 in the Premier League.

City face Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday before travelling to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

(Top photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images)