Pep Guardiola gives injury update on Erling Haaland ahead of Everton v Man City

Pep Guardiola has revealed Erling Haaland ‘still cannot train’ as the Manchester City striker continues to struggle with his ongoing foot injury.

The forward has missed City’s last two league matches due to the injury which Pep Guardiola described earlier this month as ‘stress on the bone’. He also was forced to sit out Tuesday's Club World Cup semi-final win over Urawa Red Diamonds, which was secured thanks to goals from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva as well as an own-goal via Marius Hoibraten.

It sets up a final against Brazilian side Fluminense on Friday. Haaland won’t be available for the game after missing the Urawa win, which subsequently means he can’t be included in the squad for the final. The same is true for Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne.

The latter returned to training this week after a four-month injury layoff and is not expected back in competitive action for at least another few weeks, while Doku has sat out the last five matches due to a muscular problem.

As for Haaland, his injury is a concern ahead of the Everton clash next week. City face the in-form Toffees at Goodison Park on 27 December, four days after Sean Dyche’s side travel to Tottenham Hotspur.

In Haaland’s absence, City started Alvarez up front in the win over Luton Town and the draw against Crystal Palace - the Argentine also played as a striker after he was introduced in the second half against Urawa. Prior to that, Phil Foden had operated as a false nine.

Haaland has scored 14 goals in 15 Premier League games this season and netted in both meetings against Everton last season.