Published 07:00 15 Feb 2023 GMT

Guardiola provides Haaland injury update ahead of Arsenal vs Man City

The Norwegian is a doubt.

Joe Adams

Pep Guardiola has provided an injury update on Erling Haaland ahead of Manchester City's huge clash with Arsenal on Wednesday evening.

The Norwegian was substituted at half-time against Aston Villa following an injury to his thigh.

Earlier in the game, Haaland brilliantly set up Ilkay Gundogan to score his side's second goal, before allowing Riyad Mahrez to make it three from the penalty spot.

Ollie Watkins second half consolation wasn't enough to launch a comeback, as City edged to within three points of league leaders Arsenal.

Guardiola sets date to decide on Haaland's fitness

Fans were relieved after Haaland was spotted back in training on Monday. However, Guardiola insisted he would have to wait until Tuesday to decide his starting lineup.

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"We train this afternoon. Right now I don’t know," the Spaniard said in his press conference on Tuesday. "Yesterday was about recovery from Aston Villa. That’s all."

Julian Alvarez replaced Haaland for the second half against Villa, and would likely occupy the number nine role against the Gunners if Haaland was not deemed fit to start.

However, City will no doubt be giving their talisman every opportunity to prove his fitness for the potentially title defining contest.

Arteta provides Jesus update

As for Arsenal, they are expected to line up similarly to how they have done all season, with Eddie Nketiah set to lead the line once more in Gabriel Jesus' absence.

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Jesus has been sidelined for several months after suffering a serious knee injury playing for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar.

But whilst he is not yet ready for a return to first-team action, Arteta was optimistic about his rehabilitation.

"[Jesus is] doing really well," Arteta said at his press conference on Tuesday.

"He's been doing quite a lot of work on the ball already [on the grass] and his rehab is going well."

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The Gunners boss has also been urged to rest Gabriel Martinelli for the top-of-the-table clash, and give new signing Leandro Trossard a chance from the start.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Arsenal, Premier League, Julian Alvarez, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno

Guardiola sets date to decide on Haaland's fitness

Fans were relieved after Haaland was spotted back in training on Monday. However, Guardiola insisted he would have to wait until Tuesday to decide his starting lineup.

Advert

"We train this afternoon. Right now I don’t know," the Spaniard said in his press conference on Tuesday. "Yesterday was about recovery from Aston Villa. That’s all."

Julian Alvarez replaced Haaland for the second half against Villa, and would likely occupy the number nine role against the Gunners if Haaland was not deemed fit to start.

However, City will no doubt be giving their talisman every opportunity to prove his fitness for the potentially title defining contest.

Arteta provides Jesus update

As for Arsenal, they are expected to line up similarly to how they have done all season, with Eddie Nketiah set to lead the line once more in Gabriel Jesus' absence.

Advert

Jesus has been sidelined for several months after suffering a serious knee injury playing for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar.

But whilst he is not yet ready for a return to first-team action, Arteta was optimistic about his rehabilitation.

"[Jesus is] doing really well," Arteta said at his press conference on Tuesday.

"He's been doing quite a lot of work on the ball already [on the grass] and his rehab is going well."

Advert

The Gunners boss has also been urged to rest Gabriel Martinelli for the top-of-the-table clash, and give new signing Leandro Trossard a chance from the start.