“It is a tough moment for him and his family,” Pep Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference. “It is sad and we will see tomorrow if he is able mentally or physically to play.”
However, the Man City manager was able to confirm that Rodri and Phil Foden both “look really good” after returning to training.
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Foden has been suffering with an illness that has restricted him to just 45 minutes of action, while Rodri picked up a small knock on international duty.
Meanwhile, Nathan Ake is set to be sideline for the next month after picking up an injury while playing for the Netherlands. The defender was stretchered off the pitch with an apparent hamstring strain during the side’s 2-2 draw with Germany.
“We are unlucky with Nathan – every time he goes there [to play for Netherlands] he comes back injured.”
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Jack Gaughan
12:12 EDT 12 Sep 2024, updated
17:32 EDT 12 Sep 2024
12:12 EDT 12 Sep 2024, updated
17:32 EDT 12 Sep 2024
By
Jack Gaughan
Erling Haaland can take compassionate leave if the Manchester City striker requires time away after the death of close friend Ivar Eggja.
Best man at Alfie Haaland’s wedding in a friendship spanning decades, Eggja became a confidant of the Premier League golden boot winner.
The pair were so close that Haaland affectionately called him ‘uncle’, with the 59-year-old performing a crucial role within the player’s camp.
Haaland trained with Pep Guardiola’s squad on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s clash with Brentford but the City boss stresses that family comes first and doesn’t stop players taking a step away for personal reasons.
Eggja was present for Haaland’s unveiling at the Etihad Stadium in 2022 and remained by the Norway international’s side for the majority of his short career. They attended last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony together.
Haaland has been keen to recognise the impact Eggja had on him in helping with the logistics of elite sport and finding a city-centre apartment when moving from Borussia Dortmund – as he had when joining the Bundesliga giants.
‘You are a legend, Ivar,’ Haaland said. ‘Words cannot describe how much you meant to me! Words cannot describe how much you will be missed!
‘Thank you for everything, you madman. We will see each other again. Rest in peace, Ivar.'
Haaland already has seven goals in three league games so far this season, with consecutive hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United.
The 24-year-old’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, paid tribute to Eggja – underlying his importance to their operation.
‘Ever since I met you, I thought your power was to brighten up any room,’ she said. ‘'I didn't know it was a superpower, and that you would go through so much, so soon, so fast, in a way that is the best example of strength, dignity, tolerance and optimism that family and friends can only dream of.
'It was an honor to be a small part of your journey.'
Meanwhile, Phil Foden is back in training after an illness kept him out for over a fortnight.
