Erling Haaland fitness uncertainty as Pep Guardiola provides Manchester City injury update

Manchester City will make a decision later on Friday as to whether Erling Haaland is available to start for the club against Brentford this weekend, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

Pep Guardiola's side will be looking to maintain their intense pursuit of league leaders Arsenal this weekend.

Just two points separate the two sides at the top of the table, with Mikel Arteta's side currently setting the place during the first-half of the season.

Once again however, Manchester City will have the opportunity to leapfrog the Gunners before they play this weekend, as they host Brentford in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.

Guardiola has a number of injury concerns to deal with ahead of the game, and offered an update during his pre-match press conference.

Speaking ahead of City's final match before the international break for the World Cup in Qatar, Pep Guardiola opened by offering a fresh update on the fitness of Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker.

Both players were selected for Gareth Southgate's 26-man England squad, despite their only very recent positive updates on recovery from respective surgeries.

Guardiola told the media on Friday afternoon, "Kalvin (Phillips) you saw it (against Chelsea), he's ready. Kyle (Walker), not yet."

Continuing on the decision made by England on his duo, Guardiola continued, "It's a decision from Gareth (Southgate), I support 100% his decisions. I'm not involved. After Saturday, the players belong to national teams, not us.

"I'm not worried (about their fitness)."

Walker is sure he has a better dress sense than England and City teammate Grealish. Image: Alamy

Erling Haaland is another player that has struggled with an injury problem in recent weeks, despite coming off the bench to score the winning goal in City's last Premier League outing against Fulham.

When asked whether Guardiola had an update as to whether the Norway international could start against Brentford on Saturday, he responded, "We'll see. We have training this afternoon, and we'll see. He's a little better."

Manchester City's number nine is one of a few first-team players who will not be heading to Qatar for the World Cup this winter, however Pep Guardiola is certainly not happy by his star forward missing out on the opportunity.

erling haaland, manchester city.

He said, "I'd prefer him to go to the World Cup, unfortunately they (Norway) didn't qualify. He'll recover hopefully perfectly his injury. He'll be in Marbella, Norway, hopefully come back to train.

"I'd love (him to be at the World Cup) like with Riyad (Mahrez) but is what it is."

Manchester City take on Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 BST.

Upon the conclusion of the World Cup, City will host Liverpool in the Carabao Cup fourth round prior to Christmas, before travelling to Leeds for their first Premier League back, at Elland Road.