Erling Haaland: Manchester City star doubt for Arsenal showdown in Premier League with 'big knock'
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Updated 12/02/2023 at 21:18 GMT
Manchester City travel to Arsenal on Wednesday chasing top spot in the Premier League – but they may have to do without runaway top scorer Erling Haaland. The Norwegian picked up a “big knock” during the 3-1 win over Aston Villa and was replaced at half-time. Haaland has scored 25 goals in the league already this season, although his rate has slowed since the turn of the year.
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Pep Guardiola has revealed Erling Haaland is a doubt for Manchester City’s top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Haaland was taken off as a precaution at half-time during the 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
“He has a big knock. He was uncomfortable,” said Guardiola. “At 3-0 we did not want to take a risk. We will see. We will assess in the next day.
“If he is not available, we will play another one. Hopefully he is available. We will see in the next days.”
Haaland set up the second goal for Ilkay Gundogan as City went into the break 3-0 up, although he failed to find the net for the fourth time in the last six league games.
“His presence is really good to just to take a look a little bit more when we have no pressure on the ball and they play a high line, we will be able to find him a little bit more," he said.
"It is a process we will work on.”
Guardiola also claimed his side are struggling for numbers, with the Spaniard deploying Bernando Silva at left-back at various points in Sunday’s game.
“We have 18 or 19 players, probably one of the smallest squads in the Premier League by far," he continued.
“It is important we do not have injuries. We have an incredible methodology for the training to match the fatigue and to limit injuries.
“We have an incredible team of doctors, physios. For many years i have been fighting for that.”
City will climb above Arsenal with victory at the Emirates Stadium in midweek due to their superior goal difference, albeit having played a game more.
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