Pep Guardiola has addressed the fitness of prolific striker Erling Haaland ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming visit to Nottingham Forest.
The Premier League champions visit Arsenal for a huge top-of-the-table clash on Wednesday before travelling to Trentside on Saturday afternoon. It will be a tight turnaround for Guardiola’s side, who have a number of fitness concerns affecting key players.
One of those revolves around 25-goal leading scorer Haaland, who was withdrawn at half-time during City’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday. The Norwegian received a few knocks during the game and, at one stage, needed treatment following a collision with Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
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Speaking since the game, Guardiola has said he does not believe Haaland is injured, although his fitness is being monitored ahead of the game at the Emirates. He added that his star striker would not play against the Gunners if it was deemed a risk, despite the importance of the match in the title race.
“If the result [against Villa] was more tight then maybe I don't do it [take him off at half-time,” he said, reported the Manchester Evening News.
“I don't think he's injured but we will see. Hopefully he can be in for Wednesday. If it is a risk or he is not ready, he's not going to play."
Defender Ruben Dias was also taken off at half-time, on his first league start since October, and replaced by Manu Akanji. Guardiola said that was not because of injury but because he was on a yellow card.
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