Foot issue continues to plague Erling Haaland with City striker missing training

Dec 12, 2023 1 min read
Erling Haaland could be set for a spell on the sidelines (Richard Sellers/PA)
Erling Haaland could be set for a spell on the sidelines (Richard Sellers/PA)

Erling Haaland was not involved as Manchester City trained in front of media cameras prior to their Champions League trip to Red Star Belgrade.

The prolific Norway striker had already seemed likely to miss Wednesday’s final Group G game in Serbia after sitting out the Premier League win at Luton on Sunday with a foot injury.

Manager Pep Guardiola was unsure how long Haaland would be out when asked over the weekend, but expressed hope he would be fit for their opening Club World Cup match in Saudi Arabia next week.

Manchester City training
Manchester City trained on Tuesday morning ahead of their Champions League game at Red Star Belgrade (Martin Rickett/PA)

That would also mean the 23-year-old, who has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season, missing Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.

Winger Jeremy Doku was also absent from the part of the training session that media were allowed to film at the City Football Academy on Tuesday morning.

The Belgian has missed the last two games with a muscular problem.

Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola was due to hold a press conference later in the day (Martin Rickett/PA)

Goalkeeper Ederson was also not involved, suggesting the Brazilian could be rested in Belgrade with number two Stefan Ortega given an opportunity.

There is nothing riding on the game for City, who have already qualified for the knockout stages as group winners.

Guardiola was likely to give an update on the squad at a press conference in Serbia on Tuesday evening.

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