Pep Guardiola confirms Erling Haaland's absence from Manchester City against Crystal Palace on Saturday due to a foot injury.
Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Erling Haaland’s fitness amid concerns the prolific striker may miss Manchester City’s trip to Crystal Palace this weekend.
Haaland was unexpectedly left out of City’s 2-1 victory over Luton Town last weekend and was not included in the team’s victory over Red Star Belgrade at mid-week, which saw the reigning European champions win their group.
Like last season, the 23-year-old has kicked off another impressive run for the Golden Boot, sitting atop the Premier League goalscoring charts with fourteen goals.
Pep has suggested that the Norwegian is a major doubt for the visit to Crystal Palace on Saturday and said that the “moment he does not feel any pain, he will play.”
However, the City boss did confirm that Haaland will travel with the squad to Saudi Arabia, with City set to play in the semi-final of the Club World Cup next Tuesday.
When asked if he is worried about the injury to Erling Haaland:
“No. It’s not fractured, just stress,” Pep Guardiola replied.
“Sometimes players recover quickly, longer. “Day by day, week by week, we have to see how he feels. The moment he doesn’t have pain he will play.”
“Arrive today, we see the doctors and we will see. “He’s had treatment [away.] “Hopefully Erling can travel to Saudi. Tomorrow, after the game we see if he plays the first game or second at the Club World Cup.”
“I don’t think he will be fit [for Crystal Palace], but maybe surprisingly they’ll tell me something new.”
Crystal Palace won against Manchester City at the Etihad in October 2021 and Guardiola expects another tough game against them.
“It has always been a tough game,” Guardiola said.
“How they defend is brilliant and they don’t need much at set-pieces with (Joachim) Anderson and the other guys. I don’t remember easy games against Roy Hodgson teams. With Patrick (Vieira) also, but especially with Roy.”
