Pep Guardiola fears Manchester City could be without Erling Haaland for the trip to Arsenal in midweek following an injury picked up in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa. The Norwegian powerhouse seemed to pick up a groin slip in the first half when he battled for the ball with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Haaland kept playing until the end of the first half but then pulled out of the fight amid fears he might exacerbate the problem.
City travel to Arsenal on Wednesday in a game that could have a huge impact on the Premier League title race given the champions could leapfrog Arsenal and lead with a win.
But Guardiola is worried he may have to do without Haaland after refusing to offer assurances that the great striker would be fit for the trip to London.
When asked by Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreves if Haaland would be fit, Guardiola replied: “At the moment I don’t know.
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Then City increased their lead when Haaland put the ball in the goal for Ilkay Gundogan, who fired the ball gratefully.
It was 3-0 before half-time when Riyad Mahrez converted a penalty after Jack Grealish was brought down in the box by Jacob Ramsey.
There was no denying that the England international anticipated this contact as he threw himself to the ground after the little encounter.
Villa responded well in the second half but they didn’t get laid as Ollie Watkins pulled one back in front of the traveling fans.
Then John Doran rocked Unai Emery’s £18m signing in January with a superb shot on goal that left Ederson rooted for the penalty spot.
City are now heading towards Arsenal after Arsenal dropped points for the second successive Premier League game on Saturday when Brentford drew 1-1.
Mikel Arteta’s side are winless in their last three matches having also lost 1-0 to City in the FA Cup before losing 1-0 at Everton.
Arsenal are struggling for goals and will have to be on top of their game if they are to achieve a positive result on Wednesday when City visit the Emirates Stadium.
