Manchester City star Erling Haaland has posted a crypto message on Instagram amid concerns he may miss his side’s weekend clash against Crystal Palace. The prolific striker missed the Premier League win at Luton on Sunday with a foot problem and did not travel to Serbia for Wednesday’s European dead rubber against Red Star Belgrade.
The 23-year-old, who has scored 19 goals this campaign in addition to the 52 he netted in his debut season at City, has been key for Pep Guardiola during his time in England. Guardiola was unsure how long Haaland would be out when asked last week, but expressed hope he would be fit for their opening Club World Cup match in Saudi Arabia next week.
Speaking before the Luton match, Guardiola said the injury was a “bone stress reaction in his foot”. “Week by week, day by day, we will see what happens,” Guardiola said. “Erling has been so important since he’s arrived. But during the season we see this sort of thing. Injuries, suspensions, problems – we have to adapt.”
Speaking after City’s 3-2 win over Red Star Belgrade, the former Barcelona manager suggested the player could soon be back in action. The City boss told reporters at a press conference: “He will be back on Thursday, I think. We will see how he feels. I don’t know right now (when he will be back) but the next press conference I could be more precise.”
While it remains unclear if Haaland will be fit in time for Saturday’s clash against Crystal Palace, the player himself may have provided somewhat of a hint on his Instagram page. Posting on his Story, the Norwegian uploaded two images, with the first simply a picture of his feet. The striker was wearing two Nike trainers, and was not in a protective boot or anything of the like.
The second image was a selfie, with Haaland staring at the camera while dressed in a black jumper and wearing sunglasses. The former Borussia Dortmund man also posted a blue love heart emoji which had a winking face inside. Is it unknown where Haaland posted the picture from, but blue sky can be seen in the background.
It remains to be seen if Haaland is included in the Man City squad to face Crystal Palace on Saturday, but any absence could be seen as a boost for Arsenal in the Premier League title race, giving Haaland’s importance to the current champions. The Gunners are currently second in the table and just one point behind Liverpool. Aston Villa are third while Man City are fourth, four points behind Jurgen Klopp’s men.