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Pep Guardiola, the manager, has stated that Erling Haaland will not be able to play in Manchester City’s last match of the Champions League group stage against Red Star Belgrade. However, he is expected to resume training on Thursday.
The highly productive player from Norway was absent from the Premier League victory against Luton on Sunday due to a foot injury, and will not be joining the team for their European match against Serbia on Wednesday.
It is still uncertain if the 23-year-old will be able to play against Crystal Palace on Saturday, but Guardiola has hinted that the player may return to the field soon.
At the press conference, the City manager informed reporters, “I believe he will return on Thursday. We will assess his condition at that time.”
“I am currently unsure of when he will return, but I may have a more precise answer at the next press conference.”
In Belgrade, City will be missing Jeremy Doku due to a muscle issue, and Kevin De Bruyne, who has been absent since August, is not yet prepared to rejoin the team.
The starting goalkeeper for the game, Ederson, will not be playing, giving backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega a chance to step in.
The game at Rajko Mitic Stadium holds no significance as City, the reigning Group G champions, have already secured their spot and Red Star, who suffered a 3-1 defeat at Etihad Stadium in September, are guaranteed last place.
As a result, Guardiola plans to implement modifications as he prepares for the upcoming Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia next week. However, he maintains that he will still expect the utmost level of performance.
“We are approaching this game in the same manner as we did the first game in Manchester,” he stated. “It is up to the players to perform, and we have prepared diligently. I am hopeful that we will have a good game.”
“Of course, we will be rotating players as we have three days between travel, the semi-final, and potentially the final.”
“Tomorrow, I am excited to see many players who have not recently played, participating.”
Ortega, who joined Guardiola for the pre-match media duties, will be one of the featured players.
The individual from Germany stated: “I am pleased to have the opportunity to play in every game here, and tomorrow may be another chance for me to demonstrate my optimal performance.”
Source: independent.co.uk
