Erling Haaland’s fitness is “not perfect yet,” according to Pep Guardiola, ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round match between Manchester City and Chelsea.
In recent weeks, Haaland has been battling an ankle ligament issue. Due to the issue, the 22-year-old striker missed Man City’s games against Leicester City and Borussia Dortmund.
However, he came back and scored in the 2-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday.
Prior to Chelsea’s visit to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, Guardiola updated the media on the Norwegian.
“He’s not perfect yet. We’ll see tomorrow,” Guardiola said. “The important thing is that the bone isn’t broken. He has a little damage to his ligaments. But he’s getting better every day. A week, ten days, see what happens. If he feels good, he plays [for] Norway.”
Guardiola was also asked how City would approach a game. It’s the penultimate round of fixtures before a mini-break from club football with the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 12 days’ time.
“I don’t decide, we have training this afternoon,” the Man City boss replied when asked about his approach. “We have time until tomorrow night.
“The coaches prepare to win the game. The performance [has to be] as good as possible.”
City will be without Kyle Walker for the tie because of injury, with Guardiola simply saying “no” when asked if he has a chance. He was then asked about Walker and Kalvin Phillips’ chances of being called up to the England squad for the World Cup.
“You will have to ask Gareth Southgate. I cannot tell you,” the Man City boss said. “They’ve been communicating with the England physios. Phillips will be with the squad, yes.”
Quizzed about any potential incomings at the Etihad Stadium midway through the campaign, Guardiola confirmed City will not be making any fresh acquisitions in the January transfer window.
The Catalan said: “Manchester City are not going to sign anyone in January. We have the squad.”
