MANCHESTER CITY have been dealt a blow to their title hopes after star striker Erling Haaland suffered an injury.
The Norwegian forward went off at half-time of the clash against Aston Villa with a thigh injury.
Speaking on the injury after the game, City boss Pep Guardiola told Sky Sports: “I don’t know, he had a big knock and didn’t feel too comfortable. The physio didn’t want to take the risk.
“If he’s not ready we [will] play another one. Hopefully he is ready like everyone but we will see.”
Haaland has scored an incredible 25 goals in the Premier League this season.
However, in the game against Unai Emery’s Villans, Haaland turned provider as he used his stunning acceleration to latch onto a loose ball before finding Ilkay Gundogan at the far post.
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With the reigning champs three goals to the good, Guardiola opted to bring off the 22-year-old in response to the affliction.
And it comes at a bad time for City, with a crucial clash against league leaders Arsenal in midweek.
Arsenal dropped points once again this weekend after Ivan Toney scored a controversial late equaliser.
Refereeing body PGMOL cited “human error” as the reason Toney’s late equaliser was not ruled out at the time.
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With City winning against Villa today, the gap between the two title chasers is now down to just three points, though Arsenal have a game in hand.
It means losing Haaland will dent the cutting-edge City have with him on the pitch.
The clash with Villa is the club’s first game since they were charged with over 100 breaches of financial rules.
If the charges are proven, then City could face relegation or even expulsion from the Premier League.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
