Erling Haaland and Phil Foden miss Man City training to give Liverpool major title boost

Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were notably absent from training on Tuesday, sparking concerns ahead of the club's Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion this week.

Haaland was sidelined for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea due to a muscle issue, with Julian Alvarez stepping in to fill his boots. The striker had also been substituted before extra-time during last week's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.

Foden played the whole match against Chelsea at the weekend, helping Man City secure their spot in the cup final, but was missing from Tuesday's training session alongside Haaland, reports the Manchester Evening News. This could be a potential boost for Liverpool's title bid as the Reds hope for Pep Guardiola's side to come unstuck at Brighton on Thursday.

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"He's [Haaland] injured," Pep Guardiola confirmed to BBC Sport on Saturday. "I don't think it's much but he's not able for today. I don't know [if he will be back for the next game]."

With another day of training scheduled tomorrow before the team heads to the AMEX Stadium, it remains uncertain whether either player will feature against Brighton. Guardiola is expected to be asked about the condition of both players in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

Given that a single point separates the top three sides in the Premier League, Foden and Haaland dealing with fitness issues could improve Liverpool's title bid, particularly as Man City have a game in hand on the Reds. Liverpool face rivals Everton on Wednesday night, where they will look to maintain pressure and possibly move four points ahead of Man City.

Elsewhere, Man City defender John Stones was seen participating in training. Stones had been substituted at half-time at Wembley, raising questions about his fitness, but he was present at training along with Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish.