Erling Haaland ruled out of Man City's trip to Luton Town

  • Man City without their top scorer for Sunday's visit to Luton
  • Norway international has netted 19 goals in all competitions so far this season
  • Julian Alvarez is the natural alternative for Pep Guardiola up front

Haaland won't feature against Luton
Haaland won't feature against Luton / James Baylis - AMA/GettyImages
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Erling Haaland will not play in Manchester City's Premier League trip to Luton Town on Sunday, having not travelled with the rest of Pep Guardiola's squad.

City visit the promoted Hatters looking to end a run of four league games without a victory and can cut the gap to current leaders Liverpool to four points with a win after Arsenal's loss at Aston Villa on Saturday night.

However, the Cityzens will have to overcome Luton without Haaland, who has 19 goals in all competitions so far this season after netting 52 last term.

Speaking before Sunday's clash, Guardiola revealed Haaland is suffering with a foot problem and is unsure how long he will be missing for.


Erling Braut Håland, Julián Álvarez
Alvarez could replace Haaland up front / Visionhaus/GettyImages

He told Sky Sports: "A bone stress reaction in his foot and after the last game he felt it. He cannot play.

"I don't know [the length of the injury]. Week by week, day by day, we will see what happens. We play with 11 that's for sure.

"Erling has been so important since he's arrived that's for sure. But during the season we see this sort of thing. Injuries, suspensions, problems, we have to adapt. Julian Alvarez will be playing [as our centre forward]."

Julian Alvarez replaced Haaland as City's central striker in the starting lineup against Luton, with Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva occupying the attacking spots behind him.

While Guardiola remains without star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne as he works his way back from a hamstring injury which required surgery, Rodri is back from suspension after missing the midweek defeat at Aston Villa.

Haaland has largely avoided injury issues since joining Man City. He was absent for two games through knocks in 2022/23, missing wins over Leicester and Liverpool with a bruised foot and groin issues respectively, while he didn't play in their final league match of the campaign ahead of their Champions League final.


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