Manchester City have a major injury concern ahead of Wednesday’s pivotal top-of-the-table clash against Arsenal after Erling Haaland was substituted at half-time during Sunday’s 3-1 win against Aston Villa.
The Norwegian suffered a heavy collision with Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez early on and required treatment but was able to continue and played a vital role in Ilkay Gundogan’s goal to double City’s lead after Rodri’s opener.
Despite making it to the break, Haaland was withdrawn with City leading 3-0 and World Cup winner Julian Alvarez came on in his place. Pep Guardiola admitted that Haaland was in discomfort after clashing with Martinez.
The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Guardiola and City, who travel to the Emirates to face league-leaders Arsenal in midweek.
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“If he’s not ready (for Arsenal) we’ll play another one. Hopefully he’s ready like everyone, but we’ll see.”
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane said at half-time: “Hopefully that knock’s not too serious for Haaland because obviously there’s a big game coming up and there’s no need to risk him. You take him off, you treat him up and look at the replacements, very very good players.”
Haaland was a huge signing for City and has backed up the acclaim by scoring 25 goals already in the Premier League this season – eight more than the division’s second-highest scorer Harry Kane.
There is a sense that as Haaland and his teammates become more accustomed to one another and Guardiola figures out how best to utilise his ability without compromising in other areas, City will be even more difficult to stop.
A season ago, Haaland’s injury would have presented the perfect opportunity for Gabriel Jesus to slot in and take up the scoring mantle, however, the Brazilian has been integral to Arsenal’s surge, prior to suffering a knee injury at the World Cup.
If Haaland is unable to face the Gunners, Alvarez will be in line to replace him after scoring nine goals this season, while Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva have both been trialled in a “false 9” position in the past.
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