Man City boss Pep Guardiola delivers Erling Haaland injury update ahead of Crystal Palace clash
WATCH NOW: Paul Coyte's sports round-up 15/12/23
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has discussed Erling Haaland's injury ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
The Norway international has been sensational again this season, bagging 19 goals from 22 matches across all competitions.
However, City have had to cope without their talisman over the past week.
Haaland was absent as City battled their way to a narrow 2-1 victory over Luton last Sunday.
Man City are sweating on the availability of Erling Haaland ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace
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And he also missed their 3-2 Champions League victory over minnows Crvena zvezda on Wednesday night.
Guardiola has held a press conference ahead of Saturday's fixture.
When quizzed on Haaland, and his potential availability, he said: "[He] arrived today, we see the doctors and we will see.
"He's had treatment. Hopefully he can travel to Saudi, tomorrow after the game, we see if he plays the first game or second.
"I dont think so [play vs Palace], maybe he surprises me."
When asked if he was worried, he added: "No. Not fractured, just stress.
"Sometimes players recover quickly, longer. Day by day, week by week, how he feels.
"The moment he doesn't have pain he will play."
Guardiola also praised Palace and the work Roy Hodgson has done at the club, though did seem to rule out managing at the same age.
"[Palace are] always has been a tough game, so will be a tough game," he added.
"How they defend is brilliant, set pieces. Tough game, always has been here.
"Never easy against Roy Hodgson, Vieira too, but especially with Roy.
"I don't think so [I will manage at the same age], you never know.
"He has the fire and passion inside to still be there. Teams are really good. Incredibly well vs Liverpool at 11v11."
One player who has struggled for regular action this season is Jack Grealish.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken out ahead of Crystal Palace showdown
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Yet Guardiola insists the England international remains a key player for his side, despite often preferring Jeremy Doku.
"[He is] important, he has to demand himself to score goals, win games, assists," he said.
"He keeps the ball, makes passes. Last two games he scores goals.
"Starts a little bit late, many things happen, injuries. Hopefully he can take the rhythm as soon as possible."
When asked if Grealish can play in another position, he added: "We don't have time to work.
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"Yesterday recovery, today is pre-match.
"We don't have time, to understand without training sessions.
"Sometimes in 10-15 mins we can do it, Jack can understand immediately.
"He can play in different positions, in the middle. He's a typical number ten.
"At Villa played as a winger, at the beginning when he arrived he played false nine."
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