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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has offered an update on Erling Haaland’s injury status ahead of their crucial Premier League fixture against Tottenham. The Norwegian striker, who has netted 19 goals in 25 league appearances this season, was absent in City’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool and was also left on the bench in their 3-1 Champions League loss to Real Madrid due to a knee problem. Guardiola remains uncertain about Haaland’s return, stating he will assess the situation after training before making a final decision.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola admitted the striker was “feeling better” but stopped short of confirming his availability. “Tonight we will know, after training. I hope so, but I don’t know yet,” he said. “In the last two games, he couldn’t play. We’ll see tomorrow.”

Guardiola’s Feud with Carragher Over Haaland

Guardiola has also found himself in a public spat with football pundit Jamie Carragher, who suggested Haaland may have been afraid to face Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger. The former Liverpool defender’s comments sparked an angry response from Guardiola, who dismissed the claim outright.

“Oh God, did Jamie Carragher say that? Oh God,” Guardiola responded sarcastically when asked about the remark. “I don’t laugh. Do you think Erling Haaland didn’t want to play that game? He had a knee problem, and he could not play.”

Carragher later backtracked, claiming his remark was made in jest to wind up fellow pundit Micah Richards. “It was a joke as that’s the nature of our show on CBS,” he posted on social media. However, football writer Simon Mullock challenged Carragher’s claim, stating that “no one laughed” and that the comment didn’t appear to be made in a joking manner.

Man City’s Challenge Against a Tricky Tottenham Side

Guardiola now shifts his focus to the task ahead as City prepare for a difficult test against Spurs. Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, have proved to be a tricky opponent, thrashing City 4-0 in the reverse fixture and eliminating them from the Carabao Cup earlier in the season.

Guardiola acknowledged the quality of Spurs, praising their intensity and transition play. “They have fantastic individual quality, incredible runners in transition, and play with great rhythm and intensity,” he said. “I have a high, high opinion about Postecoglou. I don’t judge results; I look at ideas, and he’s doing great work.”

With Haaland’s availability still in doubt, City may have to rely on alternative attacking options as they attempt to close the gap in the title race.