Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that Erling Braut Haaland is feeling ‘a little better’ and will be assessed to see if he can play against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday..
After suffering a ligament injury in his foot against former club Borussia Dortmund last month, the Norwegian missed two consecutive games against Leicester City and Sevilla.
Haaland then came off the bench to score the game-winning penalty in the 95th minute against Fulham last weekend, bringing his Premier League goal tally to 18 in just 12 appearances..
Haaland, on the other hand, was an unused substitute in Wednesday’s 2-0 EFL Cup third-round win over Chelsea, with Guardiola stating before kickoff that the striker’s foot injury is “still not perfect.”
When asked if Haaland would be fit to start against Brentford at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola said, “We will see. After today’s training, we will see.”
When asked if the 22-year-old is feeling better, the Spaniard replied, “A little bit.”
Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker will miss Saturday’s game due to groin surgery, while England teammate Kalvin Phillips, who came off the bench in the second half against Chelsea, is available for selection after recovering from a shoulder injury..
Walker and Phillips have both been named to Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but only the latter will be in contention to play against Brentford.
“You saw Kalvin in the last game; he is ready – Kyle, not yet,” Guardiola added. “It’s a decision for Kyle and Southgate (to select him for the World Cup) – 100% their decision. I’m not involved. The players belong to the national teams after Saturday. I’m not worried.”
Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City was replaced in the final 10 minutes of the game against Chelsea as a precaution after picking up a knock, but the Spaniard will be available for selection on Saturday..
The Citizens enter their clash with the Bees on the back of a 16-game unbeaten run at the Etihad Stadium in all competitions, including 11 consecutive Premier League home wins.
Guardiola wants to finish on a high note before the six-week World Cup break, but he is aware that Thomas Frank’s side wants to finish strongly as well, and he anticipates a difficult challenge this weekend.
Guardiola said of Brentford: “Same manager, same personality. This season, the shape has changed slightly. I recall how difficult it was to meet here and away. It will be very similar.
“It’s an early kickoff, which always makes things a little more complicated. It’s the final game before the break, so we have to play our game and do our job..
Knowing exactly what will happen is one thing. I am unable to respond [to that]. But I am always upbeat. But, if it’s not positive, we’ll return and try again.
“Brentford is of the same mind, wanting to finish as strongly as possible before the World Cup break. It’s the same for them.”
City will go to the top of the Premier League if they beat Brentford, but current leaders Arsenal will go back to the top if they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday night..
Leave a Reply