Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a fresh fitness update on his squad ahead of the club’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Salford City.
The Spanish tactician revealed that Erling Haaland will have to undergo late medical assessments after being withdrawn at half-time during Man City’s midweek Premier League win over Fulham.
While Haaland’s issue is not believed to be serious, Guardiola confirmed the striker is not fully fit and will only be involved if there is no risk of aggravating the problem.
Speaking ahead of the game, the City boss admitted a decision on Haaland’s availability will be made after further medical checks, stressing that caution remains the priority with the Norwegian not at full fitness.
With Man City overwhelming favourites against League Two opposition Salford, Guardiola is expected to use the fixture to manage the workload of his players.
The absence of a midweek match next week also presents an opportunity to protect key players, particularly with the club still competing on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe.
City will remain without Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol. However, there is positive news regarding John Stones, who has returned to the matchday squad for the first time since December and is edging closer to full match fitness.
The England international could be in contention to start against Salford, although Guardiola has made it clear that his reintegration will be carefully managed after a difficult spell with injuries over the past 18 months.
Man City, already through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, have also booked their place in the final of the Carabao Cup against Arsenal. They remain in contention to lift this season’s Premier League trophy as well, with only four points separating them and the Gunners, who lead the way.
