Manchester City are battling a serious injury ahead of Wednesday’s decider against Arsenal after Erling Haaland was substituted at half-time in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
The Norwegian suffered an early nasty collision with Villa goalkeeper Amy Martinez and needed treatment, but was able to continue and played a key role in Ilkay Gündoğan’s goal that doubled City’s lead from Rodri’s first shot.
Despite the break, Haaland was eliminated as City took a 3-0 lead, replaced by World Cup winner Julian Alvarez. Pep Guardiola admitted that Haaland felt uncomfortable after the collision with Martinez.
The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Guardiola and City, who travel to the Emirates midweek to face Arsenal leaders.
“I don’t know, he had a hard hit and didn’t feel very well,” Guardiola told Sky Sports afterwards. “The physiotherapist didn’t want to risk it.
“If he is not ready (for Arsenal), we will play someone else. I hope he’s ready like everyone else, but we’ll see.”
And on Tuesday, Guardiola was shy about Haaland playing against Arsenal.
“We’re training this afternoon. At the moment I don’t know,” Guardiola said. “Yesterday was about rebuilding Aston Villa. That’s it.”
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane said at halftime on Sunday: “Hopefully this kick won’t be too hard for Haaland because there’s clearly a big game ahead and there’s no reason to risk it.” You pick him up, heal him and look for a replacement, very good players.”
Haaland has been a key signing for City and added to the celebration, having already scored 25 Premier League goals this season – eight more than second-place scorer Harry Kane.
There is a sense that City will be even harder to stop once Haaland and his teammates get used to each other and Guardiola understands how best to use his skills without compromising in other areas.
A season ago, Haaland’s injury would have given Gabriel Jesus the perfect opportunity to step in and become top scorer, but the Brazilian was integral to Arsenal’s recovery before suffering a World Cup knee injury.
If Haaland fails to face the Gunners, he will be replaced by Alvarez, who has scored nine goals this season, while Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva have tried to fill the false nine position in the past.
Source: I News
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