Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland will not feature against Sevilla on Wednesday evening.
Haaland – who has 22 goals in 15 competitive matches this season – played 45 minutes against Borussia Dortmund last week and missed Saturday’s win at Leicester City.
The Norwegian striker struggled with injuries during his time with Dortmund, in particular last season.
So Pep Guardiola will probably be treading carefully when dealing with the 22-year-old.
The Spanish manager has confirmed he will not feature against Sevilla in the Champions League but hopes he will be available to face Fulham this weekend.
“No, tomorrow not available,” Pep said when asked about Haaland’s availability.
“He feels better. Comparing to Saturday, Sunday, Monday, every day feels better.
“Still not 100%, we don’t want to take a risk. Hopefully we have him against Fulham.”
City’s England duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips are both anxiously hoping to be fit enough to make Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
Phillips underwent shoulder surgery in September and Guardiola has revealed he is partaking in non-contract training.
Walker – who is out after groin surgery – is recovering quicker than expected, Guardiola says, meaning his World Cup hopes are currently higher than that of his teammate.
“It’s likely [they can be ready for the World Cup], the way they recover.
“I don’t know intentions for Gareth. He spoke with them regularly. They know better than me.
“What I hear in the dressing rooms, they can be ready. You don’t play a World Cup every week.
“He’s [Phillips] doing partial training sessions with the team, not contact yet. We’ll see his evolution.
“I know how important the World Cup is but I don’t use a player I don’t think is ready.
“I feel the games will be tight. At the end of the season, lots of things involved.
“I don’t think against Fulham, just for the quality of the opponent, even Brentford in the first half. Will be tight, so we evaluate the conditions.
“Kyle, I’m impressed how quick his recovery but still a bit late compared to Kalvin.”
Guardiola said his side are training on Tuesday afternoon, so does not have too much team news.
“I have to see the training,” he said. “Four days, recovery is three.
“The players who don’t play regularly will play. Potentially they play [Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis] but let me see the training session.”
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