Pep Guardiola will make a decision at short notice on whether Erling Haaland will play against Brentford after the Manchester City star was given special leave this week.
Manager Pep Guardiola said he would check whether Erling Haaland is “mentally and physically able to play” before deciding on his inclusion this weekend.
Manchester City host Brentford but will be without the Norwegian goalscorer following the death of a close family friend. The Premier League champions have given Haaland special leave and he has not been with the squad for a week, but he was photographed training on Thursday.
Ivar Egge was a best man at his father Alf-Inge Haaland’s wedding and was referred to as “uncle” by Erling. Egger, 59, had a close personal relationship with the City frontman and was part of his entourage, so his death has come as a huge shock to the striker.
Guardiola is in no rush to sign Haaland and refused to confirm or deny whether he would play at the Etihad. He said: “It was a difficult moment for him and his family. It was sad news.
He was very close to him and his family. The 59-year-old. Our thoughts are with him and his family. We’ll see tomorrow if he’s mentally and physically able to play.”
Haaland has scored seven goals in his first three games of the season and two hat-tricks in as many games. He’s enjoyed a great start to the season and is bidding to win a third consecutive Golden Boot. The Norwegian posted a heartfelt tribute to Egger on social media.
“You’re a legend, Ivar,” he said, posting a series of photos with Egger. “Words can’t express how much you meant to me. Words can’t express how much I miss you. Thank you for everything, you madman. See you soon. Rest in peace, Ivar.”
City sold Julián Alvarez, who joined Atletico Madrid as Haaland’s replacement. The false nine is nothing new for Guardiola’s side, having already won the title without a striker, but they will now have to find a workaround.
The Premier League champions can take a five-point lead, even if only for 24 hours, over title rivals Arsenal, who only play in Sunday’s North London Derby.
Haaland scored the only goal in the Manchester side’s narrow win over Brentford last year, but Bees manager Thomas Frank admitted it will be hard to contain the Norwegian’s momentum. He said: “It’s almost impossible. A lot of teams have tried to neutralise him, but he’s a great player.”