Manchester City’s star striker, Erling Haaland, will make a last-minute decision on his availability for Saturday’s Premier League match against Brentford, as he copes with a personal loss.
Haaland was granted compassionate leave following the passing of his close friend and mentor, Ivar Eggja, whom he affectionately called ‘uncle’.
Eggja, a 59-year-old key figure in Haaland’s entourage, left an indelible mark on the Norway international’s life.
Although Haaland rejoined his City teammates for training on Thursday, Guardiola has given him the freedom to take time away and prioritize his well-being.
During Friday’s press conference, Guardiola expressed empathy for Haaland’s situation, saying, ‘It’s a tough moment for him and his family.
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We’ll support him and let him decide when he’s ready.’
‘It was sad, sad news, he’s a close person, him and his family, 59 years old, our thoughts are of course with his friends and family. It’s sad.
‘We’ll see tomorrow if he’s able, mentally and physically, to play.’
In his tribute post to Eggia on Instagram, Haaland wrote: ‘You are a legend, Ivar.
‘Words cannot describe how much you meant to me! Words cannot describe how much you will be missed!
‘Thank you for everything, you madman. We will see each other again. Rest in peace, Ivar.’
Haaland already has seven goals in three Premier League games this season and has scored consecutive hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham.
Elsewhere, Guardiola has confirmed that both Rodri and Phil Foden trained without issue this week and are available to play against Brentford.
However, the Premier League champions will be without Nathan Ake until after the next international break in October.
Ake suffered a hamstring injury whilst on international duty with the Netherlands last week.
‘He’s injured. I think it will be until the next international break,’ Guardiola said on Friday.
‘We are unlucky with Nathan and the national team. Every time he goes there he comes back injured.’
As Manchester City prepares to face Brentford, the team’s collective thoughts are with Haaland during this difficult time.
