“Biggest Worry for Manchester City Fans” – Concerns Shroud Pep Guardiola & Co. Ahead of FIFA Club WC

Manchester City is on a rollercoaster ride this season. While they aced the Champions League group stage with flawless performances, things are on and off in the Premier League. Just hours ago, the Cityzens played a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, landing them in the fourth position and three points behind leaders Liverpool. As if it weren’t worrying enough, Pep Guardiola and Co. could be trailing by ‘eight or nine’ points after they return from the Club World Cup, as per a well-renowned soccer pundit’s analysis. 

Additionally, the injury to Erling Haaland has also hurt the Sky Blues in the process. The Norwegian international is currently sidelined with a foot injury, due to which he has missed the club’s recent matches. 

Manchester City might be in for a huge domestic blow amid Club World Cup outing 

A goal from Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis’ first league goal fell short against a brilliant comeback from the Eagles. Following the result, ESPN commentator Don Hutchison said that the draw creates a worry for the title holders, highlighting that they were held for a draw against Liverpool and Tottenham. “I think the biggest worry for Man City fans now is obviously City go away to the Club World Cup and when they come back I’m pretty sure I think they play Everton in a couple of weeks’ time. How many points then will they be adrift by then?” 

Pep Guardiola and Co. will travel to Saudi Arabia to play their Club World Cup semi-final against Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds at King Abdullah Sports City. Hence, Hutchison expressed his concern over City’s form after the crucial match. “What sort of shape will they be in when they come back? They could be eight or nine behind,” he concluded. This analysis is certainly bad news for City fans. Nevertheless, they will be looking to come back on the winning track. Meanwhile, Guardiola gave a huge update on Erling Haaland’s availability for the Club World Cup. 

READ MORE: Manchester City’s Owners City Football Group Reach Agreement to Invest in Turkish Giants Istanbul Basaksehir: Reports

Is Erling Haaland fit to play in the Club World Cup? – Pep Guardiola’s verdict

Before the match against Crystal Palace, Pep Guardiola discussed Erling Haaland’s injury situation. The Spanish manager claimed that the doctors would first analyze how the striker felt. He also provided information about the nature of the injury, saying, “I’m not worried. Not fractured. Just stress.”

Guardiola also touched upon the Norwegian’s possible comeback, expressing, “Hopefully Erling can travel to Saudi. Tomorrow, after the game, we will see if he plays the first game or second at the World Cup.” This highlights the master tactician’s uncertainty regarding the 23-year-old’s involvement in the tournament.

Will Manchester City return home with the FIFA Club World Cup title? Let us know in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule