Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola doesn’t expect Erling Haaland to return against Crystal Palace tomorrow. City’s number 9 has missed his side’s last two games against Luton Town and Red Star Belgrade with a foot concern.
Speaking before the European champions take on Crystal Palace at the Etihad tomorrow the City manager provided an update on Haaland. Guardiola told the media: “I don’t think so. Maybe there will (be a) surprise and they tell me something new but I don’t think so.”
Pep Guardiola also informed the media that Haaland’s foot wasn’t fractured, his condition is just bone stress in his foot. He explained: “No. It’s not fracture, just stress. Sometimes players recover quicker or longer. The doctors say we have to take it day by day or week by week on how he feels. The moment he doesn’t have symptoms or doesn’t feel pain, he will be available to play again.”
With Manchester City departing for Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup following tomorrow’s game against Crystal Palace Guardiola was hopeful that Haaland will feature at the tournament. He added: “He has been for treatment away. Hopefully, he can travel to Saudi tomorrow after the game. I think he will travel with us and after that, we will see if he is able to play the first or second.”
With Erling Haaland returning to the club today it is positive news as he recovers from his foot condition. With Manchester City playing Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace tomorrow the game may be too soon for Haaland to recover to feature in. With the FIFA Club World Cup next week the hope is that City’s top scorer will feature in Saudi Arabia.
