Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland will miss Thursday’s Premier League trip to Brighton and Hove Albion due to a muscle injury. The Norwegian striker has been out of action since City’s Champions League quarter-final loss to Real Madrid last week and did not feature in the FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea last weekend.
Phil Foden is also a doubt for the game, while John Stones is available for selection. Guardiola has hinted at rotating his squad in the final weeks of the season, with City facing a hectic fixture schedule.
‘Erling is not ready for tomorrow. The other two (Foden and Stones) are ready,’ Guardiola said at a press conference on Wednesday.
‘It’s not a big issue but he’s not available,’ the Catalan added with regards to Haaland.
In Haaland’s absence, Julian Alvarez is expected to lead the line for the Citizens. The Argentine has contributed with 16 goals and 13 assists in 48 games for Man City this season. Foden will hope to retain his starting spot in attack, pending a late fitness check.
Man City currently sit third in the Premier League table and four points behind leaders Arsenal, who thrashed Chelsea 5-0 on Tuesday. However, Guardiola’s men have two games in hand and can move to within a point of the summit with victory over Brighton.
