Erling Haaland could miss Saturday’s Premier League meeting between Manchester City and Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.
The Norwegian striker may not be available for selection following the loss of a close family friend.
“It is a tough moment for him and his family,” Pep Guardiola said of Haaland in his pre-match press conference. “It is sad and we will see tomorrow if he is able mentally or physically to play.”
However, the Man City manager was able to confirm that Rodri and Phil Foden both “look really good” after returning to training.
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Foden has been suffering with an illness that has restricted him to just 45 minutes of action, while Rodri picked up a small knock on international duty.
Meanwhile, Nathan Ake is set to be sideline for the next month after picking up an injury while playing for the Netherlands. The defender was stretchered off the pitch with an apparent hamstring strain during the side’s 2-2 draw with Germany.
“We are unlucky with Nathan – every time he goes there [to play for Netherlands] he comes back injured.”
The fixtures come thick and fast for Man City after this weekend, with Guardiola’s side set to face Arsenal, Watford and Newcastle in a six-day period.
“It is going to happen many times when teams play in all competitions. We prioritised having more rest for Newcastle [and a quicker turnaround from Arsenal to Watford].
“We will do our job anyway because we love to do it. I’m not a specialist about the calendar. We follow it. The meetings are useless. Everyone knows the schedule will be tight this season so you just have to accept it.”
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