Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hinted that Erling Haaland will only face Premier League Arsenal on Wednesday if he is fully fit.
On Sunday evening, Haaland contributed to City’s 3-0 halftime lead over Aston Villa, assisting on the second goal.
However, when the teams returned from the break, the Norway international was missing, with the initial assumption being that he had rested in preparation for the showdown with the leaders.
During the second half, it was revealed that the 22-year-old had suffered an injury just three days before the trip to the Emirates Stadium.
City went on to defeat Villa 3-1, bringing them to within three points of Arsenal, despite having played one more game.
However, if City wins in North London, they will overtake their opponents in the Premier League standings on goal difference.
When asked about it after beating the West Midlands outfit, Guardiola revealed that Haaland had taken a knock and that he had been advised not to ‘take any risks’ on his center-forward.
According to BBC Sport, Guardiola stated, “Erling has a knock; he was uncomfortable.”
“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.
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