Pep Guardiola could be without Erling Haaland for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
The striker was replaced after 90 minutes in Manchester City’s Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, and Pep Guardiola revealed ahead of this weekend’s trip to Wembley that Haaland is a doubt.
“We will see,” was the manager’s response when asked whether his no.9 would be available against Chelsea. “It was a tough game and Erling felt something, a muscular issue and he could not continue.”
Should he drop out, Julian Alvarez is the obvious option to replace Haaland up front, and the 24-year-old scored in last season’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Guardiola did confirm that Kevin De Bruyne is fit for the clash against his former club, after the Belgian also had to be replaced against Madrid, while Manuel Akanji is available after he too came off in extra-time. City’s defensive options were strengthened in the week when Kyle Walker returned to the team, and Nathan Ake has been an unused substitute in the last two matches.
The only other minor concern is John Stones, who was deemed not fit enough to start against Madrid but came on for the final eight minutes of added time.
Guardiola could rotate against Chelsea given the busy fixture schedule. The match comes three days after the quarter-final loss and the Premier League champions also face a midweek journey to Brighton.
With all that in mind, here’s how we think City could line up for the FA Cup semi-final…
1. GK: Stefan Ortega
Has played every FA Cup game this season and is expected to start between the sticks.
2. RB: Rico Lewis
With Walker just back from injury, Lewis might be selected at right-back on this occasion.
3. CB: Ruben Dias
Played well in midweek and is expected to start at centre-back once again.
4. CB: Manuel Akanji
The defender is available despite being replaced late on against Madrid, and it looks unlikely Stones will be rushed back for this game.