Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, may have to face Chelsea in their upcoming FA Cup clash without two of their key players - Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
City's manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that both players are doubtful for Sunday's match at Wembley. This comes after a challenging week for the team, which saw them exit the Champions League following a penalty shootout against Real Madrid.
Erling Haaland was substituted during this crucial game due to injury concerns. The Norwegian striker has been struggling with form recently, failing to score in high-profile matches against Real Madrid, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle. Despite these setbacks, he has managed an impressive tally of 31 goals this season across all competitions.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, said:
"It was a tough game, a lot of action, high intensity for both sides. Erling felt something, a muscular issue. That's why he told me he could not continue.
"The [doctor] said he had a little bit of niggles, a little problem, we will see how his evolution is in the next hours."
De Bruyne’s injury looks more critical than Haaland
De Bruyne also raised injury concerns during the same Real Madrid match. While his participation remains uncertain as well, there is a higher likelihood of him featuring in the game against Chelsea than Haaland.
Pep Guardiola added:
"Kevin felt exhausted, so tired, after five months out injured [earlier on in the season], so that's normal,"
"It's normal with the amount of games we are playing this season… They are human beings. They are not a machine. We are used to it."
The potential absence of these two key players could significantly impact Manchester City's chances in what remains of this season. Last year they achieved an incredible treble win but any hopes for a repeat performance were dashed when they crashed out from Champions League on Wednesday night at Etihad Stadium.
Injuries can play major role in Premier League racce
With six games remaining and currently leading the Premier League table by a narrow margin, Guardiola insists his team is eager to secure victory in the FA Cup despite recent setbacks.
The road ahead looks challenging for Manchester City as they strive to end their season on a high note despite recent disappointments. The Premier League title race is heating up and with doubts over key players' fitness levels ahead of their FA Cup clash with Chelsea; it seems like there might be more twists yet to come this season.
The coming weeks will undoubtedly be crucial for Manchester City as they aim to salvage their season and bring home some silverware.
