Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Braut Haaland is “feeling better” ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Leicester City..
The 22 – year – old has turned out to be a concern for the trip to the King Power Stadium after he came off at half period in the goalless draw with former club Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday as a result of a mix of exhaustion, illness along with a minor foot injury.
Guardiola has since given a good update on the condition of the Norwegian, but says that he is still uncertain whether the striker is going to be fit for Saturday.
Guardiola told a press conference Friday afternoon: “Haaland feels better, but we are going to train this afternoon and we’ll assess in a few hours,” he said.
“We will see exactly how he feels in his feet, and then we will decide,” he said. I’ll know if he can play in two hours.
“After the Dortmund game, everyone was well trained. I need to wait for the folks coming back to know precisely how they feel..
City have relying heavily on their new number 9 in front of the goal this season, with the 6ft 5in – goalkeeper having scored 22 times in only 16 games across all competitions, such as 17 goals in eleven Premier League games..
Haaland has yet to locate the net in two of his three appearances, and in case he is ruled out for the match against the Foxes, he might not have the ability to add another goal on Sunday.
Guardiola has suggested Julian Alvarez is his “first option” to play in attack if Haaland is not available for selection, and the Citizens boss is certain the Argentine is able to present a similar threat in the box.
“if Erling [Haaland] isn’t ready, then Julian [Alvarez] is usually the first option,” Guardiola said. “He can play false nine though I believe this won’t take place. If Erling is not ready, Julian becomes the first choice.
“If he plays ninety minutes every game, he is going to score goals, possibly not like Erling, but goals,” he said.
Guardiola additionally kept up to date on English duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, who have been recuperating from their respective groin and shoulder surgeries.
Sunday’s match will come too soon for both players, but Guardiola is still optimistic, especially about Phillips, that they are able to get back soon enough to represent England at the World Cup following month.
“They are both out, Kalvin particularly, but they are getting better,” Guardiola said. Phillips feels extremely well, his mobility in his shoulder is excellent. ”
“He has to stay away from contact with his teammates at the moment,” he said. If he’s healthy and I think he is able to perform then perhaps he is able to create several minutes [just before the world Cup]..
They’re they, positive, and optimistic are in contact with Gareth [Southgate]. I do not know, but hopefully they are going to be prepared to be selected. ”
Guardiola also confirmed that goalie Ederson is going to return between the sticks as soon as Stefan Ortega gave his debut to Man City against Dortmund.
The Citizens are going to rise to the top of the Premier League table with a win over Leicester before Arsenal host Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
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