GOD55News | Man City Sweat: Haaland's Fitness Sparks Title Race Worries

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted Erling Haaland is not fully fit after the FA Cup win over Salford, raising concerns over the striker's long-term availability. The Norwegian was withdrawn at half-time against Fulham after suffering a knock, and his fitness is now being assessed daily, offering potential encouragement to Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

The alarm bells are ringing across Manchester, and indeed, throughout the Premier League! Erling Haaland, Manchester City's unstoppable goal machine, is reportedly not 100% fit, a revelation that sends shivers down the spines of Sky Blue faithful and sparks hope among their rivals.

Key Points:

Erling Haaland withdrew at halftime against Fulham due to discomfort.
Pep Guardiola confirms the striker is "not 100%" but downplays severity.
Training absence fuels speculation ahead of crucial Premier League fixtures.
Arsenal will be keenly watching developments in the title race.

The Striker's Status: Not "100 Percent"

Erling Haaland has been clinical, netting in his last two games, including a crucial strike against Liverpool.

However, a half-time substitution during the recent Fulham victory due to "discomfort" raised eyebrows. Pep Guardiola confirmed the issue was precautionary but admitted Haaland remains "not 100 percent." While doctors suggest it's "not a big issue," the uncertainty is unwelcome for Manchester City.

Training Ground Absence Fuels Speculation

The plot thickened when Haaland was conspicuously absent from Manchester City's published training photos on Friday.

Key players like John Stones and Rodri were pictured, highlighting the Norwegian's notable absence. This points towards Guardiola opting for extreme caution, especially with a packed schedule and high-stakes matches looming.

Looming Fixtures and the Title Race Impact

Manchester City faces a challenging Premier League clash against Newcastle next weekend. This game holds far greater significance for the title race than the recent FA Cup encounter where Haaland was rested.

A prolonged absence for City's top scorer could severely test their championship credentials.

Rivals Watch Closely: An Opportunity for Arsenal?

Any period on the sidelines for Haaland is a massive story, particularly for title rivals like Arsenal. The Norwegian's prolific goal-scoring has often been the decisive factor in previous tight title battles.

Despite his current discomfort, Haaland still leads the Golden Boot race, underscoring his immense value. A short-term setback could, however, dramatically shift momentum in the hotly contested Premier League title race.