Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is expected to miss another Premier League game due to a foot injury, and manager Pep Guardiola hopes he will be able to travel with the team to the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Guardiola stated, “I don’t think (he will play Saturday). But maybe surprisingly they tell me something new, but I don’t think so.” Haaland missed last Sunday’s game and did not travel for the Champions League match on Wednesday due to a stress reaction injury.
A stress reaction includes swelling and bruising in the bone, which can potentially lead to a more serious stress fracture, although Guardiola isn’t concerned and believes the 23-year-old will recover quickly.
“No, it’s no fracture, it is just stress, and sometimes those players recover quicker, sometimes longer, so the doctor said we have to take it day-by-day, week-by-week,” Guardiola added. Any lengthy layoff would negatively impact City’s hopes of retaining their title as they are currently fourth in the standings on 33 points after 16 games.
Guardiola said Haaland received treatment away from Manchester and just returned on Friday. “He will see the doctors, they will see him and we’ll see how he feels,” Guardiola added. “Hopefully he can travel to Saudi (Saturday) after the game, I think he is going to travel with us and after we’ll see if he is able to play the first game or the second or when we come back (to Manchester).”
City play the Club World Cup semi-final against an opponent yet to be determined on Tuesday. The final is scheduled for Friday. Crystal Palace, who are 15th on 16 points, could be missing as many as eight players for their match against City. Guardiola said he expects a tough game against Palace due to their impressive defense.
Roy Hodgson’s team could be missing as many as eight players on Saturday, although Guardiola said he expects a stiff challenge from the visitors. “How they defend is brilliant … it will be a tough, tough game,” he said. “Ever since I’ve been here, I don’t remember easy games against Roy Hodgson teams.”
Guardiola was asked about the news that Rebecca Welch will become the first female referee to officiate a Premier League match when Fulham play Burnley on Dec. 23.
“Excellent idea, more than welcome,” the manager said. “Hopefully in the future there can be more.”
(Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
