Manager hints the striker could be rested against Swansea
Erling Haaland is getting better “day by day” after picking up a knock against Aston Villa last week, according to Pep Guardiola.
The striker was involved in a heavy collision with the post in a game that City lost 1-0 to drop six points behind leaders Arsenal.
“Erling, I haven’t seen him today but it was a knock and day by day it is better,” Guardiola said in Tuesday’s press conference ahead of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup tie against Swansea City on Wednesday.
“Now we train this afternoon where we will find out more on how he feels and decide if he can play.”
Guardiola also hinted that Haaland could be rested for the game. The Norwegian is in sublime form, having scored 15 goals in 12 appearances for City so far this season, but he’ll need to be given a breather in cup ties for fitness reasons.
City are expected to make a number of changes for the fourth-round match in South Wales, with Guardiola likely to hand minutes to several fringe players and academy graduates. However, the Spaniard insists he will not make the mistake of underrating his opponent.
“Teams from lower divisions we have always taken seriously, otherwise we wouldn’t have had the success we’ve had in the past,” Guardiola said.
“We prepare the same way, incredible focus, sometimes even more.”
