Manchester City is set to assess Erling Haaland’s condition on Friday, but Pep Guardiola casts doubt on his readiness for the Club World Cup due to a recent foot injury. Haaland missed the last two games and skipped the Champions League clash in Belgrade, opting for treatment in Marbella before returning to the club.
Guardiola acknowledges the severity of Haaland’s injury and suggests a swift return is unlikely.
While the Norwegian striker is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia with the team for the Club World Cup, City plans to let Haaland decide when he feels fit to play. Guardiola, speaking ahead of the Crystal Palace game, states, “He got here today. The doctors will check him out, and we’ll see how he feels. He was getting care away.”
Expressing optimism about Haaland’s potential participation in the Club World Cup, Guardiola adds, “It would be great if he could go to Saudi Arabia. We will see if he can play in the first or second game, or when we get back. He might surprise me and play [against Palace], but I don’t think he will.”
Guardiola emphasizes the unpredictable nature of player recovery, noting that some improve rapidly while others take longer. The decision on Haaland’s return hinges on his daily and weekly progress, with Guardiola emphasizing the striker will feature as soon as he is injury-free.
City faces Crystal Palace on Saturday in their next Premier League fixture as they aim to defend their title. Currently trailing Liverpool by four points in the league standings, City’s pursuit of the Premier League crown adds significance to Haaland’s potential return and contribution in the coming matches.
The uncertainty surrounding Haaland’s immediate availability underscores the careful approach City is taking to ensure his full recovery.
As the Club World Cup looms and the Premier League title race heats up, Guardiola remains cautious about rushing Haaland back into action, prioritizing his long-term fitness and effectiveness for the team’s ambitions. The next few weeks will unfold as crucial in determining when Haaland can make his impactful return to the pitch for Manchester City.
