Pep Guardiola unsure of Erling Haaland fitness ahead of Leicester trip
By Tom Gott
Pep Guardiola has confessed that he has not made a final decision on the fitness of striker Erling Haaland ahead of Manchester City's trip to face Leicester on Saturday.
The Norway international had been unwell ahead of the midweek meeting with Borussia Dortmund and was withdrawn at half-time after suffering a knock.
Asked for an update on Haaland's condition during his pre-match press conference, Guardiola told reporters: "He feels better, we are training this afternoon and we will assess.
"We'll see how he's feeling and if he's fit. After we decide. It’s not 24 hours. I will know in two hours if he is ready to play or not."
Guardiola also confirmed that Joao Cancelo, who was also withdrawn against Dortmund, has been in full training ahead of the game, before providing an update on stricken England internationals Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips.
The boss ruled the pair out of domestic action until after the World Cup but refused to rule out either Walker or Phillips being ready to go to the tournament with Gareth Southgate's side.
"They are better, Kalvin especially," Guardiola explained. "After the World Cup I'm sure they will be ready.
"Apparently what [Phillips] says to me when I saw him in the canteen, he came to Dortmund, he feels really well. Mobility in shoulder is perfect, start to train with the ball, but avoid contact with his mates. We are surprised how quick his development.
"If he's fit and I believe he can play and is ready, maybe can play minutes. I don't know now. They've reacted in a positive way, they are optimistic, they are in touch with Gareth, maybe they have more information. Hopefully they can be ready to be selected."