Erling Haaland shares his feelings about facing Arsenal next week after injury scare on Norway duty
Manchester City striker Erling Braut Haaland has revealed that he is fit and did not pick up a knock despite seen limping out of Norway training on Tuesday, and that he cannot wait to face Arsenal after the international break.
The 23-year-old handed Man City an injury scare earlier this week ahead of the clash against the Gunners on March 31, but he will be ready to play against the Premier League leaders at Etihad Stadium when action resumes barring any fresh blows.
Arsenal will be ready to face Man City with or without Haaland, and manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping his players emerge unscathed from international duty after Brazil international centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes withdrew from international duty due to an Achilles tendon issue.
The result of the top-of-the-table clash at Etihad will play a huge role in the title race, and the Man City star has revealed the game is very much on his mind given the quality of opposition and what is at stake.
“It’s nice to play for the country,” Haaland told Norwegian newspaper VG.
“But facing Arsenal next weekend versus playing the Czech Republic at home is different. I am not going to lie. There is a big difference.
“But what do you do? There are as many matches as possible in the calendar. That seems to be the goal.”
Arsenal have to be on top of their game as the Man City stars will be desperate to prove a point, but the North Londoners will fancy their chances of leaving with an impressive result having defeated Pep Guardiola’s men twice so far this term.
The Gunners won the FA Community Shield at the expense of Man City on penalties back in August before securing a 1-0 victory over their title rivals at Emirates Stadium in October, and they have what it takes to get the better of the reigning champions again.
There is plenty at stake when both sides meet next Sunday, and Arsenal will boost their chances of winning if they manage to stifle the impact of Haaland in front of goal.
The Norwegian has 18 Premier League goals so far this term and will be very eager to prove himself against the best defence in the land.
