Missing Erling Haaland for a match will be the last thing Manchester City would want at this point. Well, not just game-wise; having scored seven goals in three games, Haaland is the Premier League’s top entertainer right now. Imagine how big a hit would City’s ticket sales take if the Norwegian goal machine is absent for one of their games? But one cannot expect an athlete to step up, especially when they’re grieving, or holding up during a close one’s loss.

As we know, Erling Haaland, lost his family friend Ivar Eggja two days back, whom he affectionately calls uncle. Since word about the tragedy got out, fans have been wondering if the close one’s demise would prevent Haaland from lacing up for this weekend’s clash against Brentford, with coach Pep Guardiola opening up on the Norwegian striker’s availability.

Pep Guardiola’s latest update might upset Erling Haaland fans

Erling Haaland’s availability for the Brentford game became the talking point in Pep Guardiola’s recent pre-game presser. The Spanish boss was quick to send his condolences to Haaland and his family who are yet to to get past Ivar Eggja’s death. “A tough moment for Haaland and his family, sad news. A close person to him and his family. Our thoughts are with him and all his family,” said Pep Guardiola. Thereafter, the coach detailed that Haaland’s feature against Brentford is dubious. “And it’s sad, and we’ll see tomorrow if he’s able mentally and physically to play,” Guardiola added referring to the City striker.

This means Erling Haaland’s feature will only be a game-time decision for him and the Spanish boss. Even if he doesn’t start, it remains to be seen if Guardiola will summon the power striker from the City bench. If Haaland were to start he would be a severe threat to Brentford, considering their coach has already said it’s “impossible” to stop him. Anyhow, since Ivar Eggja’s grieving could even stop the Norwegian from lacing up for City, let’s dive deeper and find out how close Haaland and Eggja were.

Revisiting Haaland and Eggja’s relationship as the former mourns his uncle’s passing

Ivar Eggja might not be a blood relative to Erling Haaland. But how would Haaland not call him his ‘uncle.’ He was the best man at Haaland’s parents’ wedding. Besides, the Norwegian wouldn’t have had such a stellar soccer career if it weren’t for his uncle. The 59-year-old always made sure that Haaland had a furnished living space in each of the cities to which he has moved to play football.

Eggja secured him a furnished apartment in Manchester in 2022. He did the same for the City star during his RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund stints. The Norwegian even says he wouldn’t have scored three goals in his Dortmund debut if he had to buy furniture and arrange an apartment all by himself. So now, let’s wait and see how City’s Brentford tie pans out if Haaland is absent. The Sky Blues will probably pick up three points and continue their top-seeded run. But Brentford is fresh off a 3-1 win and Haaland’s absence would grant them more opportunities to shine.