Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland continues to be a health doubt forward of their recreation in opposition to Tottenham.
Star striker Haaland was unavailble for final week’s 3-1 and 2-0 defeats to Actual Madrid and Liverpool on account of a knee damage suffered in opposition to Newcastle.
His absence was telling in opposition to the Reds on the Etihad, with Metropolis failing to show their dominance of possession into clear-cut possibilities.
On the Norwegian’s health, Guardiola mentioned: “Tonight we’ll know after coaching. I hope so, however we don’t know but. He feels higher however we’ll see tomorrow.”
PEP 💬 (On Erling Haaland’s health) Tonight we’ll know after coaching. I hope [he will be fit] however I don’t know but.
He feels higher however the final two video games he couldn’t play. We’ll see tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wvqL1Iyf6G
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) February 25, 2025
Metropolis January signings ‘actually good’
Haaland’s absence has left January signing Omar Marmoush to steer the road in Metropolis’s assault, with the Egypt worldwide scoring a hat-trick in opposition to Newcastle.
Guardiola is pleased with the influence of Marmoush, in addition to fellow January signings Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez.
“It has been actually good for the brief time they’re coaching,” Guardiola mentioned.
“Khusanov arrived and performed in opposition to Chelsea, Orient, Newcastle, Madrid and Liverpool, so a troublesome and troublesome schedule to return into in, with the shortage of communication as he nonetheless doesn’t communicate English fluently, so the influence is actually good.
“Omar as effectively. Nico performs effectively however the influence is actually good, we’re happy. After all Victor [Reis], when he has minutes, he’ll at all times be in a very good stage.”
Rebuild ‘not the largest problem’
The brand new faces Metropolis introduced are set to be the beginning of a rebuild course of on the Etihad after a disappointing season which sees them out of the Champions League and down in fourth.
On whether or not the rebuild shall be greatest problem of Guardiola’s nine-year tenure, the Catalan mentioned: “No. Now we have completed it already. After 9 years, it isn’t the identical workforce we began with 9 years in the past. Now we have completed it two or 3 times already. It’s not the largest problem.
“The problem I had is after I was beginning my managerial profession with my employees. I proved myself and my employees proved we are able to do it.”
Spurs a ‘improbable workforce’
Man Metropolis come up in opposition to a resurgent Tottenham aspect on Wednesday, having gained their final three video games, whereas Spurs additionally disptched Guardiola’s aspect 4-0 earlier this season.
“They’re a improbable workforce, with particular person high quality,” Guardiola mentioned.
“The rhythm they play and depth they do, unimaginable runners within the transitions however I believe currently they’ve a number of extra further passes.
“They’ll do it, particularly when James Maddison performs. The outcomes dictate one factor, however the opinion of the workforce is the other.”