Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola faces a nervous wait over the fitness of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden ahead of their Premier League clash with Brighton on Thursday.
The attacking duo were notable absentees from training on Tuesday, just two days before the crucial match at the Amex Stadium.
Haaland, who missed Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea with a muscular problem, is already considered a doubt for the Brighton game. The Norwegian striker was substituted during the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid after he complained of discomfort.
Guardiola said after their win over Chelsea: “He’s [Haaland] injured. I don’t think it’s much, but he’s not able to play today. I don’t know if he will be back for the next game.”
Foden, on the other hand, played the entire match against Chelsea but was surprisingly missing from training on Tuesday, raising concerns over his availability for the Brighton clash.
The reason for Foden’s absence from training is not yet known, but Guardiola is set to address the media on Wednesday, when he is expected to provide an update on the fitness of both players.
City will be hoping to have Haaland and Foden available for the Brighton match, as they aim to keep pace with Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League title race. A win against Brighton would move City to within three points of Arsenal, who currently hold a narrow lead at the top of the table.
Despite the injury concerns, Guardiola did receive some positive news on Tuesday with defender John Stones returning to training after being withdrawn at half-time against Chelsea.
Stones’ return will boost City’s defensive options, but the absence of Haaland and Foden could be a major blow to their attacking threat.
Guardiola will be hoping for positive news from the medical team when he speaks to the media on Wednesday, as he looks to guide City to a crucial victory against Brighton.
