Jamie Carragher has defended himself after Pep Guardiola was left shocked by his theory that Erling Haaland missed the Manchester City vs Real Madrid clash on Wednesday due to not wanting to play against Antonio Rudiger.

Manchester City host Premier League-leading Liverpool on Sunday, knowing that they need a victory to kick-start their faltering season.

Ahead of Manchester City's Premier League clash against Liverpool, coach Pep Guardiola has left striker Erling Haaland's availability in question.

Pep Guardiola has fiercely hit back at Jamie Carragher’s suggestion that Erling Haaland pulled out of Manchester City’s defeat by Real Madrid because he did not want to face Antonio Rüdiger on his return from injury.

Jamie Carragher has moved to explain himself after his comments on Erling Haaland baffled Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Haaland was surprisingly on the substitutes’ bench when City travelled to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League last week.

Jamie Carragher has been forced to clarify his comments on Erling Haaland after Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola furiously hit back at the Liverpool legend's claim

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has responded to pundit Jamie Carragher's comments regarding Erling Haaland not playing against Real Madrid.