Erling Haaland faces a fitness test before Manchester City’s crucial clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal on Wednesday.
The prolific Norway striker, who has scored 31 goals in all competitions for the champions this season, was withdrawn at half-time during Sunday’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
With City 3-0 ahead at the time, there seemed little need to risk the 22-year-old in the second period at the Etihad Stadium but manager Pep Guardiola later revealed he had taken a knock.
Guardiola said: “Erling has a kick and we will assess in the next days what he can do.”
At half-time I spoke with the doctors. They said at 3-0, ‘maybe don’t take risks’ and I agreed.
“I think he is not injured but tomorrow we will see. Hopefully he can be in for Wednesday but if he is not ready, or there is some risk, he is not going to play.”
City will now head to the Emirates Stadium trailing Arsenal by just three points and with a chance to move top should they beat the Gunners.
Their display, particularly in a first half which produced goals for Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and – from the penalty spot – Riyad Mahrez, was one of their best of the season.
It was their first outing since the club were hit with 115 charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play regulations. (RTE)