da prosport bet: Pep Guardiola does not think Man City striker Erling Haaland will be fit to face Crystal Palace on Saturday.
da bwin: Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Guardiola doubtful over Haaland fitnessCity striker suffered foot injuryCould return for FIFA Club World CupWHAT HAPPENED?
Haaland was not involved in City's 2-1 win against Luton last weekend after suffering a bone stress injury in his foot. The 23-year-old striker did not travel to Serbia for City's 3-2 Champions League win against FK Crvena Zvezda on Wednesday.
AdvertisementWHAT DID GUARDIOLA SAY?
During his Friday press conference, Guardiola said: "[Haaland] arrived today, we see the doctors and we will see. He's had treatment [away from the club.] Hopefully he can travel to Saudi [Arabia, for the Club World Cup next week]. Tomorrow after the game, we see if he plays the first game or second [match at CWC].
When asked if Haaland could feature against Palace on Saturday, the City boss replied: "I don't think so [but] maybe he surprises me."
Guardiola insisted he isn't too concerned about Haaland missing more games. "[It is] not fractured, just stress. Sometimes players recover quickly, longer. Day by day, week by week, how he feels. The moment he doesn't have pain he will play."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Haaland injured his foot during City's 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last week, and was reportedly struggling to walk as he left Villa Park. He started City's first 15 Premier League matches of the season and the opening five games of their Champions League defence. The Norwegian striker has scored 19 goals in 22 games in all competitions this campaign.
WHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND AND CITY?
City will look to keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday, as Jurgen Klopp's side don't face Manchester United until Sunday. Haaland will target a return for next week's Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, a competition City have never competed in before.