Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is not sure if Erling Haaland will recover in time to play against Chelsea next Sunday.
Erling Haaland was taken off injured in City’s 6-1 win versus Bournemouth yesterday, and Pep Guardiola told the BBC after the game that he might be back when his side travel to Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old has impressed once again this season, scoring 11 goals in 11 Premier League appearances.
He is well on course to matching his record from the 2022/23 campaign, which was 36 goals in 35 appearances.
Pep Guardiola unsure about Erling Haaland’s fitness
Guardiola could not say if Haaland would definitely be ready for the Chelsea game.
Speaking to the BBC following his side’s victory over Bournemouth, the Spaniard said: “Twist in the ankle, we didn’t want to take risks with him. He didn’t feel comfortable. He’ll be back maybe Tuesday but maybe next Sunday.”
Erling Haaland not the only threat Chelsea have to worry about
Chelsea cannot get hung up about Haaland too much, as he is obviously not the only threat in this City team.
Last season, despite scoring 36 times in the Premier League, the Norwegian actually failed to register against the Blues.
City have other danger men as well, like Jeremy Doku, who put in an absolute masterclass in the Citizens’ 6-1 triumph over Bournemouth. The Belgian managed to notch up four assists and get his name on the scoresheet.
There is also the silky Bernardo Silva, who grabbed a brace against Andoni Iraola’s team.
Ultimately, then, whether Haaland is fit or not, Chelsea could still find themselves in a lot of trouble when they host the Premier League and European champions next weekend.
Before then, though, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have the small task of taking on Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow, a game Jamie O’Hara is confident that his former club will win. After that, then Chelsea can start to worry about Haaland and his City teammates.
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