Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has delivered a surprising update on star striker Erling Haaland's fitness ahead of their crucial Champions League encounter, revealing the Norwegian international made an unexpected trip to his homeland.
Guardiola confirmed that Haaland, who missed City's recent Premier League victory over Fulham, travelled to Norway for treatment on a persistent foot injury that has plagued him in recent weeks.
Haaland's Race Against Time
The 23-year-old goal machine returned to Manchester on Sunday and will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability for Tuesday's European showdown. "He went to Norway for a medical treatment to his bone," Guardiola revealed. "The doctor decided to go there for a better treatment. He's back and this afternoon we will train."
Guardiola remained cautiously optimistic about his talisman's chances, stating: "We will see how he feels. It's not a big issue but he feels uncomfortable. When he doesn't play it's because he cannot play."
De Bruyne's Comeback Trail
In more positive news for City fans, Kevin De Bruyne is set to feature after making his long-awaited return from injury as a substitute against Fulham. The Belgian maestro's creative presence could prove crucial in Haaland's potential absence.
Conte's City Warning
Former Tottenham manager Antonio Conte, speaking as a pundit, issued a stark warning about City's dominance, suggesting they could become "boring" due to their relentless success. The Italian acknowledged their quality but questioned the long-term appeal of their supremacy.
Guardiola's men currently sit second in their Champions League group behind Leipzig, making Tuesday's fixture against their qualification rivals particularly significant as they pursue European glory once more.
