Arsenal news: Manchester City star Erling Haaland is an injury doubt for the Gunners crucial Premier League clash with City on Wednesday
Manchester City suffered a potentially major injury blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Arsenal which could also have title implications. Pep Guardiola’s men were cruising against Aston Villa at half time, but they returned for the second 45 minutes without top scorer Erling Haaland.
First half goals from Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez saw City stroll to victory at Etihad Stadium against Villa with a second half goal from Ollie Watkins merely a consolation. A collision with Emi Martinez seemed to be bothering City’s top goal scorer in the first half and subsequently the decision was made to not risk him any further with the hosts comfortably in front.
Erling Haaland was subbed off with an injury in Man City’s clash against Aston Villa (Image: Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
An early indication of his problem was perhaps highlighted by a late first half penalty instead taken by Mahrez. Julian Alvarez was his replacement and Guardiola gave an update on his condition after the game.
Speaking to Sky Sports when asked for the early extent of his injury, he said: “I don’t know, he had a big knock and he wasn’t comfortable. We will see and we will assess in the next days. If he’s not ready, we’ll play another one. Hopefully he’s ready like everyone but we’ll see.”
Gundogan, who saw his goal set up by Haaland in the first half before he was replaced, was full of praise for their star forward, hoping that he will be available for City against Arsenal.
“We know that Erling scored a lot of goals so far, but today in the first half he made the runs that we need,” he said on Sky Sports. “He went into the areas where he can create space for the other players coming from the back, and he played well. Hopefully he is not too injured because we need him.”
With concern understandably rife in Manchester over his injury, Haaland has posted a message to his Instagram following City’s win over Unai Emery’s side. The caption read: “What a team performance! Fans were unreal, thanks for being our 12th man *blue heart emoji* #mancity.”
The 22-year-old does not directly address his injury which could potentially hint that his withdrawal was just precautionary. Guardiola described the injury as a “kick to the leg”, a similar incident happened to Bukayo Saka in Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest although he was then available for the next game which could mean, while Haaland is in immediate discomfort, no lasting damage is prominent.
Pep Guardiola offers Erling Haaland injury update ahead of crucial Arsenal clash
Pep Guardiola has moved to calm fears over Erling Haaland’s fitness after the Manchester City hitman was forced off injured in Sunday’s victory over Aston Villa.
The Premier League’s leading scorer was replaced by Julian Alvarez at half-time after a collision with Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez left Haaland in some discomfort.
Haaland picked up a knock / Ryan Pierse/GettyImages
With a season-defining meeting with Arsenal coming up on Wednesday, City fans – and those of any of Arsenal’s rivals – have been sweating over what could be a major boost to the Gunners’ hopes of winning the Premier League title.
Asked about Haaland’s fitness after the game, Guardiola told Sky Sports: “I don’t know, he had a big knock and he wasn’t comfortable. We will see and we will assess in the next days.
“If he’s not ready, we’ll play another one. Hopefully he’s ready like everyone but we’ll see.”
Guardiola continued: “At half-time I spoke with the doctors. They said maybe with the score like it is we don’t take risks, and I agreed.
“If the score was tighter, then maybe I don’t do it. I think he is not injured but on Monday we are going to see. Hopefully he can be in for Wednesday. But if he is not ready or there is some risk, he is not going to play.”
Haaland failed to score in his 45 minutes against Villa but did set up teammate Ilkay Gundogan, who was full of praise for the Norway international after the game.
“We know that Erling scored a lot of goals so far, but today in the first half he made the runs that we need,” he added. “He went into the areas where he can create space for the other players coming from the back, and he played well.
“Hopefully he is not too injured because we need him.”
With Arsenal dropping points to Brentford at the weekend, City now sit three points behind Arsenal and their superior goal difference means they would actually go above the Gunners with a victory, although Mikel Arteta’s side have played one game fewer than their closest competitors.
Source: football.london; 90min.com
