Erling Haaland missed Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Leicester City on Saturday due to a ligament injury, resulting in Julian Alvarez starting up front. But the 22-year-old’s poor performance may have Pep Guardiola worried if Haaland doesn’t return for November’s games.
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Alvarez has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring four times. His four goals have come in five starts, so he’s been prolific when given more playing time, but the Argentine international isn’t in good form of late.
Alvarez hasn’t scored a goal in his last six outings and hasn’t registered a shot on target in his previous five in all competitions. Haaland was averaging 4.3 shots per game, scoring 1.5 goals every match, so City will suffer in his absence.
Alvarez hasn’t missed a game for City since September and has started three of their last five matches in the Premier League and Champions League, but he’s not delivering on the pitch.
Guardiola can’t rely on Riyad Mahrez or Jack Grealish either, with the duo scoring just two league goals between them this season, so he’ll be hoping Haaland’s ligament damage isn’t too serious.
City face Sevilla on Wednesday before a meeting with Fulham on Saturday, but can Alvarez end his duck and get on the scoresheet?
In other news, Pep Guardiola ‘in awe’ of player linked with £100m move to Man City
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