Erling Haaland is not in the Manchester City squad for the Blues' Premier League clash against Leicester on Saturday.
Haaland's involvement in the fixture was cast into doubt on Friday when Pep Guardiola revealed the striker had been struggling with a foot complaint and a slight fever. The manager said he would make a final decision during Friday afternoon's training session, and that decision turned out to be not to risk the striker.
It's the first time this season that City will start a Premier League match without Haaland in the starting XI. His only previous absence came a few weeks ago in Copenhagen, when he stayed on the bench during City's goalless draw against FC Copenhagen.
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Julian Alvarez will lead City's attack in his absence. The Argentine has only started one game as City's sole striker - that match in Copenhagen - but his big night was ruined when Sergio Gomez saw red in the first half. City had to then play with 10 men for over an hour, forcing Alvarez to feed on scraps.
The 22-year-old will be flanked by Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish; the latter, like Alvarez, will have a point to prove having more often than not found himself on the bench in recent times.
Even without Haaland, City have an attack more than capable of scoring against any side in the Premier League. Leicester are enjoying an upturn in form though, so it will be interesting to see how City adapt their attacking strategy in Haaland's absence.
On Twitter, City fans weren't feeling so confident.
@mcfckc_: What's the point of living???
@MCFCADAM123: Announce the points dropped
@flashcity69: Leicester on a high after last week. Won’t be easy this.
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