Erling Haaland appeared to have handed Manchester City an injury scare when going down in training, but he was merely playing up to his team-mates.
- Striker maintaining stunning strike rate
- European action next on the agenda
- Brushed off a slight knock in training
WHAT HAPPENED?
The prolific Norwegian striker is readying himself for another Champions League outing. Premier League title holders City are preparing for a trip to Portugal that will see them face Sporting – who remain under the guidance of Manchester United-bound boss Ruben Amorim for now.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Haaland has netted in City’s most recent European outings, against Sparta Prague and Slovan Bratislava, but drew a blank in his last domestic appearance as Pep Guardiola’s side suffered a shock defeat at Bournemouth. A positive response to that result is being demanded on Tuesday.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Guardiola will want to have Haaland leading his line in Lisbon, with the 24-year-old frontman vital to their plans – with a further 14 goals being posted this season through as many appearances. He did give City’s coaching team a brief moment of concern during a training session on Monday as he hit the deck holding his right leg, leading to a theatrical roll on the turf.
WHAT NEXT?
Haaland’s colleagues did not appear overly concerned, with the powerful forward soon back on his feet. That is good news for Guardiola, who has seen City suffer 2-1 setbacks in each of their last two fixtures – against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and Bournemouth in the Premier League.