Pep Guardiola keeps Salford guessing over Erling Haaland ahead of FA Cup clash

Pep Guardiola will keep Salford guessing over whether Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will line up against the League Two side in the FA Cup.

City’s formidable Norwegian forward has played more minutes than any of his team-mates so far this season.

Guardiola will consider making changes for Saturday’s third-round tie against their fourth-tier neighbours but he has not decided if Haaland – who has netted 21 times this season in 2,386 minutes on the field – should have a rest.

“You will see tomorrow,” said the City manager at a press conference. “But he feels good.

“He’s had some niggles but we’ve had seven days from West Ham to Salford and he’s recovered well. With the situation that we have, we need everyone ready.

“The year before Erling arrived from Dortmund he had problems but since he arrived, except one period, he has been so consistent in terms of injury and fitness.

“The year of the treble was amazing. Last season he scored goals but struggled a bit.

“This season he has had incredible focus. When you are focused and your target is to be fit, always you are fit.”

Goalkeeper Ederson is available after four games out but defenders John Stones and Ruben Dias are still out.

Forward Oscar Bobb has now returned to training after breaking his leg in the summer.

Guardiola said: “It’s good news for us. It’s not muscular, it was a bone, a fracture and it’s already fixed. He’s obviously not yet in the right condition but it’s good news that he’s back.”

PEP