Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland is still a fitness doubt ahead of their game against Tottenham.
Star striker Haaland was unavailble for last week’s 3-1 and 2-0 defeats to Real Madrid and Liverpool due to a knee injury suffered against Newcastle.
His absence was telling against the Reds at the Etihad, with City failing to turn their dominance of possession into clear-cut chances.
On the Norwegian’s fitness, Guardiola said: “Tonight we will know after training. I hope so, but we don’t know yet. He feels better but we will see tomorrow.”
PEP 💬 (On Erling Haaland’s fitness) Tonight we will know after training. I hope [he will be fit] but I don’t know yet.
He feels better but the last two games he could not play. We’ll see tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wvqL1Iyf6G
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 25, 2025
City January signings ‘really good’
Haaland’s absence has left January signing Omar Marmoush to lead the line in City’s attack, with the Egypt international scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle.
Guardiola is happy with the impact of Marmoush, as well as fellow January signings Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez.
“It has been really good for the short time they are training,” Guardiola said.
“Khusanov arrived and played against Chelsea, Orient, Newcastle, Madrid and Liverpool, so a tough and difficult schedule to come into in, with the lack of communication as he still doesn’t speak English fluently, so the impact is really good.
“Omar as well. Nico plays well but the impact is really good, we are satisfied. Of course Victor [Reis], when he has minutes, he will always be in a good level.”
Rebuild ‘not the biggest challenge’
The new faces City brought are set to be the start of a rebuild process at the Etihad after a disappointing season which sees them out of the Champions League and down in fourth.
On whether the rebuild will be biggest challenge of Guardiola’s nine-year tenure, the Catalan said: “No. We have done it already. After nine years, it is not the same team we started with nine years ago. We have done it two or three times already. It is not the biggest challenge.
“The challenge I had is when I was starting my managerial career with my staff. I proved myself and my staff proved we can do it.”
Spurs a ‘fantastic team’
Man City come up against a resurgent Tottenham side on Wednesday, having won their last three games, while Spurs also disptched Guardiola’s side 4-0 earlier this season.
“They’re a fantastic team, with individual quality,” Guardiola said.
“The rhythm they play and intensity they do, incredible runners in the transitions but I think lately they have a few more extra passes.
“They can do it, especially when James Maddison plays. The results dictate one thing, but the opinion of the team is the opposite.”