Manchester City take on Brentford in their final Premier League match before the domestic campaign pauses for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Ahead of kick-off in the Saturday lunchtime fixture this weekend, here is a comprehensive update on the latest fitness and injury news from both camps!
Manchester City
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, City boss Pep Guardiola offered three updates on players' fitness ahead of the weekend's fixture.
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Firstly, on the subject of striker Erling Haaland, the manager offered some level of uncertainty as to whether the Norwegian would be fit enough to start the game following his recent struggles with a foot problem.
Guardiola said, “We will see. After today's training, we will see.”
On whether Haaland was 'better', the City coach responded, "A little bit.”
Haaland did however train as normal with the rest of the Manchester City squad on Friday afternoon, appearing to partake in the session without any visible problems.
The same applies to Kalvin Phillips, who made his return to match action in the Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea on Wednesday night.
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The England international midfielder had been ruled out of action through shoulder surgery, but has since made a full recovery and secured his place in Gareth Southgate's 26-man World Cup squad.
As did Kyle Walker, despite the full-back not returning to Manchester City training just yet.
Speaking on the fitness of the experienced defender, who will be heading out to Qatar in the coming days with the rest of the England squad, Pep Guardiola said, "Kyle, not yet (ready). It’s a decision for Kyle and Southgate (the decision to select him) - 100% their decision. I am not involved. After Saturday, the players belong to the national teams. I am not worried.”
Brentford
Speaking prior to their trip north to the Etihad Stadium, Brentford manager Thomas Frank offered updates on a number of his first-team players.
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The Brentford boss confirmed that Vitaly Janelt will be available, after he recovered from a minor muscle injury that kept him out of their midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Gillingham.
Christian Norgaard is 'in a good position’, according to Frank, and will be available against Manchester City.
However, all of the following players will be unavailable for Saturday's visitors until after the conclusion of the World Cup:
- Kristoffer Ajer
- Shandon Baptiste
- Aaron Hickey
- Pontus Jansson
Topics: Kyle Walker, Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Brentford, Premier League, Football, Pep Guardiola
