Manchester City’s preparations for their Premier League trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday have been overshadowed by fitness concerns surrounding star striker Erling Haaland and several other key players. Haaland picked up a niggling muscle issue in City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid last week and was forced to miss last Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea. Pep Guardiola has admitted he is unsure whether the Norwegian will be fit to feature against Brighton, a doubt that extends to a number of his teammates amidst City’s hectic fixture schedule. Bernardo Silva, who scored the winning goal against Chelsea, revealed after the match that he was feeling discomfort in both his left hamstring and right calf. Fellow midfielder Rodri has also admitted that he is in need of a rest. Defenders John Stones and Ruben Dias were both managed in terms of minutes against Chelsea, playing a half each, but are in contention to start against Brighton. Joao Cancelo is suspended for the match, while Jack Grealish may miss out due to a knock sustained against Chelsea. Should Haaland be ruled out, Julian Alvarez could start up front, while Jeremy Doku could replace Grealish on the left flank. Mateo Kovacic is a possible option to partner Rodri in central midfield, while Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne are expected to retain their places in the final third. Manchester City’s possible starting lineup against Brighton: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, De Bruyne, Doku; Alvarez.
Haaland’s Fitness Concerns Mount for Manchester City Ahead of Brighton Clash
