KEY POINTS

  • Man City defeated Aston Villa 3-1 on Sunday
  • It was City's third win in their last five league outings
  • City and Arsenal will come face to face on Wednesday in the Premier League

Erling Haaland could reportedly miss Manchester City's upcoming crucial Premier League clash again Arsenal.

Haaland suffered a "big knock" during Manchester City's 3-1 win over Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The former Borussia Dortmund striker was withdrawn from the field at half-time following a collision with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Haaland appeared to have taken a blow to his thigh.

The 22-year-old striker received immediate on-field treatment before he set up Manchester City's second goal, which was scored by Ilkay Gundogan. While Haaland managed to finish the first half, head coach Pep Guardiola soon substituted him as a precautionary move.

This is the second time Haaland has suffered an injury since his move from Dortmund to Manchester City in the 2022 summer window. Between October and November, Haaland missed two games for Manchester City due to a bruised foot.

Manchester City are now waiting for further information about Haaland's injury ahead of their big trip to London to take on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

"Haaland had a big knock, he was uncomfortable. At 3-0, we don't want to take risks. We'll see and assess in the next days," Guardiola told reporters after City's 3-1 victory.

When Guardiola was asked if Haaland would recover in time for the Arsenal game, the Spanish boss replied, "If he is not ready, we play another one. Hopefully, he's ready but we will see."

Haaland has 25 goals and four assists in 21 Premier League matches for City in his maiden season. Overall, the Norwegian forward has netted 31 goals in 29 games for the Etihad side in all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign.

Hat-trick heroes: Erling Haaland (left) and Phil Foden (right) scored hat-tricks for Manchester City in a 6-3 rout of Manchester United
AFP

City have three wins in their last five league outings in comparison to Arsenal's two victories. Closing in the gap, the defending champions are now just three points behind the Gunners, who have a game in hand.

A win in North London on Wednesday would see Guardiola and Co. move above Arsenal because of their superior goal difference.

Soccer