Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has kept Chelsea on their toes over Erling Haaland’s involvement on Wednesday night for the Carabao Cup third round tie.
Haaland, 22, has been struggling with a foot injury but came off the bench against Fulham on Saturday to score the winning penalty in stoppage time to seal all three points for the 10-men of Man City.
City have two games before the World Cup, facing Chelsea and then Brentford this weekend. Whether Haaland will be fit enough to start against Graham Potter’s side remains unclear.
Potter will not know until closer to the game if his side will come up against Haaland with Guardiola set to make a late decision over his involvement.
Advert
“He is still not perfect still,” said Guardiola ahead of the third round clash.
“We will see tomorrow and Saturday (ahead of the Premier League game against Brentford). He is getting better.
“The main thing is the bone was not broken – the ligament is damaged a little bit, so he’s still not perfect right now.”
Advert
Guardiola hasn’t decided on his team or approach yet for Chelsea’s visit to the Etihad on Wednesday as both sides look to progress into the fourth round.
He added: "I don't decide (yet on the approach for the game), we have training this afternoon.
“We have time until tomorrow night.
Advert
"The coaches prepare to win the game. The performance (has to be) as good as possible."
Kalvin Phillips will return to the squad for City on Wednesday night, handing Gareth Southgate a boost ahead of the World Cup squad announcement.
“Kalvin will be with the squad for the Chelsea game,” admitted Guardiola.
Chelsea could be without Jorginho who is struggling with a slight foot issue, while youngsters Omari Hutchinson and Lewis Hall will be involved in the squad.
Advert
Potter confirmed: "They've impressed. We've got some good quality young players.
"They'll be in the squad and involved."
He added: "We have to go to Man City and be competitive because they will be, to win the game, be as strong as we can. We will do our best, prepare the team. We have to go to try to win the game."
Topics: Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, Chelsea, Manchester City, Carabao Cup
Matthew Debono