Pep Guardiola insists he ‘doesn’t think’ Erling Haaland will be ready for Man City’s clash with Crystal Palace… and admits he is a DOUBT for next week’s Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia

Erling Haaland is expected to miss Manchester City’s yearly encounter at the Etihad Stadium against Crystal Palace.

In their last five home matches against the clubs, the defending champions have lost two and drawn one.

And while he heals from a foot ailment, they won’t have the record-breaking striker for the newest matchup with Roy Hodgson’s team.

Haaland was in Spain last week, stepping up his rehab and will fly to Saudi Arabia with the rest of the team straight after the Palace game.

Guardiola said: ‘He arrived today and we will see. The doctors will see him and how he feels

Guardiola said, “No, it’s not fractured, just stress, so we will see if he can play in the first game, the second game, or when we come back.” “I don’t think he will play [against Palace], but maybe he surprises me and they tell me something new.” The striker has missed two wins this week, at Luton and Red Star Belgrade, but he is not ruled out of City’s two-match FIFA Club World Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia.

Players can occasionally heal more quickly than others. The physicians advised us to monitor him day by day and week by week.

“He will play again as soon as he is free of symptoms and pain.”

The announcement that Rebecca Welch would officiate the Premier League match between Fulham and Burnley next week—becoming the first female referee—has also been warmly received by the City manager.

He declared, “It’s a really good idea.” More than happy to oblige.

“Hopefully, there will be more in the future.” Years and years ago in Germany, there was a (female) referee in the Bundesliga and Champions League. More involvement from everyone is a wonderful thing.

During his press conference, Guardiola discussed Haaland, saying, “He arrived today and he will see the doctors and then we will see.”

“He’s received treatment.” We will see if he plays in the first or second game (in Saudi Arabia) tomorrow following the game (for the Club World Cup). Hopefully, he can make the trip.

“Maybe he surprises me, but I don’t think he will be ready to play this weekend.”

“It’s just stress, not a fracture.” On rare occasions, players heal more quickly. How he feels, day by day, week by week. The instant he is without