Haaland Takes Leave as City Prepare for Brentford Clash
In a poignant turn of events, Erling Haaland will be absent from Manchester City's squad for today’s match against Brentford, as he takes compassionate leave following the loss of a close family friend. The player is mourning Ivar Eggja, who was not only a mentor but also a pivotal figure in his life. Eggja, a longtime friend of Haaland’s family and the best man at his father’s wedding, passed away recently, leaving a significant void for the young striker.
Haaland has publicly expressed his grief through social media, sharing heartfelt tributes to Eggja, describing him as a "legend" and lamenting his profound impact on his life. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shown sensitivity to the situation, indicating that the decision on whether Haaland will participate in the game will be made closer to kickoff. Guardiola commented on the difficulty of the moment for Haaland and his family, stating that the club's thoughts are with them and noting that they will evaluate Haaland’s readiness both mentally and physically before making any decisions.
Also Read:- Brewers Defeat Diamondbacks with Peralta and Hoskins Leading the Charge
- Dexter’s Dark Origins Unveiled in ‘Original Sin’ Prequel Trailer
While Haaland's absence is a significant development, Manchester City are not without their own challenges. Rodri is expected to make his season debut following his summer exertions at Euro 2024, and Phil Foden is set to return after a brief illness sidelined him early in the season. Their return comes at an opportune time with the Champions League on the horizon and a crucial fixture against Arsenal next week.
However, City's squad is not without its own concerns. Nathan Ake will be out for an extended period due to a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty with the Netherlands. Guardiola has confirmed that Ake will not be available until after the October international break. New signing Savinho, who missed the recent victory over West Ham, might find himself on the bench as Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish have been in impressive form.
Brentford, who managed to complete a double over Manchester City in the 2022-23 season, will be a formidable opponent once again. Despite Haaland's absence, City remain a strong side, having won all their matches so far this season and leading the Premier League table. If Haaland were to play, he would be aiming to score in a third consecutive game, a feat that would make him the first player in Premier League history to achieve such a record.
In terms of the predicted lineup for Manchester City, it is likely to feature Ederson in goal, with a defensive line of Lewis, Dias, Akanji, and Gvardiol. The midfield could see Rodri paired with De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, while Grealish and Doku could be on the wings with Haaland leading the attack if he is fit to play. The match kicks off at 3pm BST today at the Etihad Stadium, and it will be a crucial test for City as they look to maintain their perfect start to the season despite the challenges.
Read More:
0 Comments