Will Erling Haaland play? Manchester City to make late decision over striker after being granted compassionate leave

Erling Haaland could miss Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Brentford (Shutterstock)

Pep Guardiola has revealed Erling Haaland will make a late decision over his availability for Manchester City’s Premier League clash Brentford on Saturday.

Haaland has been granted compassionate leave following the death of his close friend Ivar Eggja.

The Norway international affectionately referred to Eggja as ‘uncle’ and the 59-year-old was a key figure in the striker’s entourage.

Haaland trained with his City teammates on Thursday ahead of the match against Brentford but Guardiola will allow the striker to take time away.

When asked about Haaland’s availability during his press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: ‘It’s a tough moment for him and his family.

‘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.’

Erling Haaland with his father, Alf-Inge, and close friend Ivar Eggja (Instagram)

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.’

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