BBC pundit Chris Sutton has claimed that Erling Haaland may not be fit to face Newcastle United in Manchester City’s next Premier League game.
City have been without their Norwegian goal machine now since the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, with the star missing the club’s last seven games across all competitions.
Haaland has been suffering with a stress fracture, meaning Pep Guardiola has been unable to call on the record-breaking number nine, with Julian Alvarez leading the line in his absence.
City fans are patiently awaiting his return – but it may not come until later in the month.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland facing battle to play against Newcastle United
This weekend, City are in FA Cup action against Huddersfield Town, and it could be that Kevin De Bruyne gets some minutes after returning to training.
But the narrative with Haaland has been that he could return against Newcastle United the following weekend.
However, BBC pundit Chris Sutton was speaking about the 23-year-old on the Fantasy 606 podcast and believes Haaland may not actually make the game.
He said: “The next few gameweeks are fascinating and I’m hearing Haaland, who’s away in Dubai, I’m hearing he’s not going to be fit.”
City can manage without Haaland with Foden and Alvarez on song
It is unclear where Sutton got his information from but City can manage without Haaland against Newcastle if he doesn’t make the game.
City have been much improved since coming back from the Club World Cup and there are two players who are really standing out right now in Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez.
Foden has been scintillating of late, and has provided 10 key passes across his last three Premier League games, misplacing just eight.
Alvarez has four goals in his last three appearances and the duo look a real threat.
City should also have De Bruyne available to face Newcastle, so there is certainly reason to be optimistic even if Haaland cannot play.
