Erling Haaland is scheduled for an evaluation by Manchester City on Friday, even though Pep Guardiola suggested that he might not be fit enough to participate in the Club World Cup.
Having missed the last two games due to a foot injury, Haaland was absent from the squad that traveled to Belgrade for the Champions League match against Crvena Zvezda. Returning to the club on Friday after undergoing treatment in Marbella, Haaland will be assessed by the medical staff upon his return. However, Guardiola doesn’t foresee the striker making an immediate comeback due to his familiarity with the injury and the current situation.
Although City expects Haaland to accompany the team to Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup next week, the decision on his readiness to play will be left to the player himself. Guardiola mentioned, “He arrived today, and we will evaluate his condition after the doctors examine him. He received treatment elsewhere.”
Guardiola expressed hope that Haaland might be fit for the Saudi trip and will assess whether he can take part in the initial or subsequent games, or potentially upon their return. However, Guardiola isn’t expecting Haaland to play against Crystal Palace but remains open to the possibility should the striker surprise him.
The manager emphasized the variable nature of recovery for players and stated, “Players can have slower or faster recoveries. It all depends on how he feels, day by day, week by week. He’ll play once he’s completely free of pain.”
City is gearing up to face Crystal Palace in their Premier League title defense on Saturday, with the league leaders, Liverpool, currently holding a four-point advantage over the Blues.
