Erling Haaland injury: Man City striker and Phil Foden miss training before Brighton trip

Manchester City are sweating on the fitness of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden ahead of their trip to Brighton on Thursday.

The pair were both absent from training on Tuesday morning, but defender John Stones was present.

Haaland missed City’s FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea on Saturday at Wembley Stadium due to a muscle injury.

The striker, who is the top scorer in the Premier League this season, had previously come off early in City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday.

“He (Haaland) is injured,” City boss Pep Guardiola the BBC on Saturday. “I don’t think it’s much but he’s not able for today. I don’t know [if he will be back for the next game].”

Foden’s absence from training is unknown as the midfielder managed to play the whole game against Chelsea on Saturday.

Stones came off at half-time of that match, in place of Ruben Dias, but he would appear to be fit after training on Tuesday morning.

City could be four points off leaders Arsenal by the time they face Brighton, with the Gunners hosting Chelsea on Tuesday.

Guardiola has hit out at the schedule Man City have had to navigate (AFP via Getty Images)

If they win, Arsenal will go four points clear of City – but Guardiola’s side will have two games in hand.

The Spaniard has previously hit out at his side’s schedule, deeming it “unacceptable” when speaking after Saturday’s win over Chelsea.

“It’s unacceptable to let us play today,” he told the BBC. “It’s impossible, for the health of the players. It’s not normal.

“120 minutes, the emotions of Madrid, the way we lose, honestly. I know this country is special [with the FA Cup] but it’s for the health of the players.”

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