Guardiola gives updates on Haaland injury ahead Arsenal clash

Reigning Premier League champions, Man City bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to Tottenham with a 3-1 victory over Unai Emery’s Villa on Sunday but it came at a huge cost with the feared injury for Erling Haalamd 

The hosts raced into a 3-0 lead thanks to first-half goals from Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, before Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins scored a consolation goal on the hour mark.

Haaland, who has netted 31 goals since joining Man City last summer, appeared to be struggling with a thigh problem after a collision with Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and was taken off at half-time.

Asked if Haaland will be fit to face Arsenal, Guardiola said: ‘Right now I don’t know. We will have to see over the next few days.

‘He got a knock and was uncomfortable so at 3-0 up we didn’t want to take the risk. We will assess him and if he’s not ready we will play someone else. Hopefully he is ready.’

Guardiola will be keen to have Haaland at his disposal as Manchester City prepare to face Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Despite only picking up one point from their last two games, Arsenal remain three points ahead of defending champions Man City with a game in hand.

On the upcoming Premier League showdown, Guardiola said: ‘Arsenal have a game in hand. We will see after all the games when the Premier League is finished.

‘But we are going to London to try and get a win. When one team has made 50 points in the first leg it is because they are very good. we closed the gap today because the performance from the team was really really good.’