Why is Erling Haaland not playing for Manchester City against Crystal Palace? Many have asked on Google as the Norwegian is nowhere to be seen.
The Norway international is not even on the bench for the treble winners as Julian Alvarez leads the line for Pep Guardiola.
So, why is Erling Haaland not playing for Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
Why Haaland is not playing for Manchester City against Crystal Palace
Well, the Manchester City No.9 has a foot injury.
Guardiola told the media in his press conference on Friday that Haaland was struggling with a “stress” related issue regarding a bone in his foot.
As quoted by The Athletic, the 52-year-old said: “He’s been having treatment away. He arrived (back at the Etihad Campus) today (Friday) and we’ll see. The doctors, they will see him.
“Hopefully he can travel to Saudi after the game and we’ll see if he’s able to play the first game or second… it’s not (bone) structure, it’s just stress. Day by day, week by week, we have to see how he feels.”
The Spaniard also said the 23-year-old could “surprise” him by playing against Crystal Palace on Saturday, suggesting that the injury is not too serious.
Unfortunately – as we now know – Haaland was not ready to face the south Londoners, and Guardiola must also wait to see whether his talisman will face Urawa Red Diamonds in the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday.
The Leeds-born striker has scored 19 goals in 22 appearances so far this season, while also providing five assists.
Guardiola will hope to have Haaland back for the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia – as success in the prestigious competition would earn Manchester City a tidy chunk of prize money.
It would also see the Citizens receive the privilege of wearing the FIFA Champions Badge in the UEFA Champions League – it is not, however, allowed to be worn in the Premier League.
