Erling Haaland was seen on Tuesday limping out of training during international duties with Norway, which will come as a massive blow to Manchester City ahead of the Premier League resumption.
The 23-year-old remains the top scorer in the league as Pep Guardiola’s side look to win an unpredecented fourth consecutive Premier League title.
City will face Arsenal on Sunday March 31 in a crucial match that could determine who wins this season’s title, but latest reports suggest Haaland might not be available.
Prior to friendlies against Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Sky Sports reported that he left Norway’s training early and did not return.
Haaland’s recurring injuries
Haaland has missed a number of games for City previously due to stress in the bone of his foot. Despite this, he has managed to score 29 goals in 34 games this season across all competitions.
The striker has 11 goals more than Phil Foden who sits in second place among City highest goal scorers, with Julian Alvarez in third.
Haaland was an important part of City’s treble success last season and fans will be hoping he can steer them to success again in the coming weeks.
Their matchup with Premier League leaders Arsenal, who are now one point ahead of City, is in just twelve days.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat Man City at the Emirates 1-0 in October, and they are aware that a win at Etihad Stadium might put them one step closer to winning their first league championship since 2004.
The fact that City defeated Arsenal 4-1 in the identical matchup the previous season – a victory that all but guaranteed the title – will give them the confidence they need.
Liverpool, who are level in points with the Gunners, are also in the mix competing for the coveted title with the two teams.
Liverpool are playing in the Europa League last eight, while City and Arsenal are in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
There are a lot of games still to play for as the season nears its conclusion, as Haaland and company take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semifinals as well.
Haaland’s presence/absence will be key
City will face a different Arsenal than they did last season and the presence of star forward Haaland will be very crucial for Guardiola and how that game could turn out.
Arsenal already boast the best defence in the League at the moment and should Haaland go on to be unavailable in the crucial fixture, it could be a huge blow to City’s title hopes.
