MANCHESTER CITY are set to face Premier League leaders Arsenal in a huge top of the table clash on Wednesday – but they could be forced to line up without Erling Haaland.
The striker, 22, picked up a thigh injury during City’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa at the weekend and was forced off at half time as a result.
The severity of his injury is currently unknown, but he is expected to undergo some tests ahead of this week’s crunch clash.
On Sunday, Man City boss Pep Guardiola told Sky Sports: “Erling has a kick and we will see.
“We will assess him in the next few days to see how severe it is.
“At half-time I spoke with the doctors to see and they said maybe at 3-0 we don’t need to take a risk and I agreed with the doctors.
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“If the score was more tight maybe I wouldn’t do it. I think he’s not injured but tomorrow we will see.
“Hopefully he can play there on Wednesday. If he’s not ready or it’s a risk he’s not going to play.”
With Haaland a doubt for the upcoming clash with Arsenal, Guardiola may be forced to make some changes to his squad.
World Cup winner Julian Alvarez, who has scored nine goals across all competitions so far this season, will likely replace the Norwegian in attack.
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Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez both impressed during Sunday’s match against Aston Villa so they could retain their respective places in the line-up, providing support on each wing.
Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting line-up at the weekend after being named on the bench ahead of City’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, so he will likely keep his spot alongside Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield.
Nathan Ake, who scored the decisive goal in Man City’s FA Cup win over Arsenal last month, could earn his spot back following his impressive performance against the Gunners.
With Ake potentially moving out to the left, Aymeric Laporte could shift inside to partner Ruben Dias in the middle of the defence.
Kyle Walker is expected to retain his spot at right-back as he is most likely to match the pace of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard.
However, the England star could potentially make way for Rico Lewis, who starred for City last time they faced Arsenal.
Despite the importance of Wednesday’s game, Guardiola could use the opportunity to experiment with a different formation.
With Haaland absent, the City boss could opt to play De Bruyne in a false nine position.
The Belgium international briefly took up this attacking role at the end of last season, when Man City had a lack of options up front.
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And Guardiola has regularly called upon him when his team have needed goals in the past.
If De Bruyne does shift into this position, Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva could be re-introduced in midfield.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
