Pep Guardiola has revealed Erling Haaland’s plans for the upcoming World Cup as Manchester City prepare for a huge test against Liverpool on Sunday.
City were held to a goalless draw by Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday after Guardiola’s men claimed a 4-0 victory over Southampton at the weekend.
Erling Haaland was on the scoresheet for a remarkable 20th time in 13 outings this season against the Saints, slamming home from Joao Cancelo’s cross for City’s fourth.
There were concerns over the 22-year-old’s fitness ahead of this weekend’s clash after Haaland was benched against Copenhagen in midweek.
Pep Guardiola confirmed in his press conference on Friday however that the Norway international is fit and available for Sunday.
Haaland is on course to slam every scoring record that can be thought of if he maintains the start he has managed since the start of the season.
Manchester City will be handed an additional boost over the Leeds-born forward’s fitness as he will not be taking part in the World Cup in November.
Norway have not qualified for the World Cup so the striker will be given a holiday then.
Speaking about his striker’s plans for the World Cup ahead of the Liverpool game, Guardiola said: “I don’t know the plan.
“Maybe 10 days, two weeks go away on holiday with his family, then two weeks to reignite our rhythm before we come back after the World Cup.
“I’m sure he (Haaland) would prefer to be at the World Cup but unfortunately this time he can’t go.”
These Guardiola’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.
“Mid season reboot”
Credit: @sp11_b
“Gonna cook when he gets back”
Credit: @DxBruyneSZN
“He will be preparing for Masterclasses”
Credit: @BelgianKing17
“He’ll be more motivated after seeing his teammates play the world cup”
Credit: @DakLuna
“He’s going to be well rested for the second half of the season”
Credit: @Brnckhorst8
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