Erling Haaland is a doubt for Manchester City’s crucial clash with Arsenal this week after being substituted during the club’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
Haaland was withdrawn at half-time as a precaution after picking up an issue at the Etihad, having provided an assist for Ilkay Gundogan in the first half.
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The Norwegian’s problem is a major concern for City, who face title rivals and league leaders Arsenal in a huge showdown in north London on Wednesday night.
City can move top of the division on goal difference – having played a game more – with a win at the Emirates and face a nervous wait on Haaland, who is the Premier League’s leading scorer this season.
Haaland has scored 25 goals in just 21 league appearances for the champions this season, but Pep Guardiola has insisted that he will not take a risk with the forward’s fitness at Arsenal.
“Hopefully he can be in for Wednesday,” Guardiola told the media after the win over Villa.
“But if he is not ready or there is some risk, he is not going to play.”
Julian Alvarez replaced Haaland during the win over Aston Villa and would be expected to deputise for the 22-year-old at Arsenal, should the club’s leading scorer be deemed unfit to feature.
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