Pep insists he 'doesn't think' Haaland will be ready for clash with Palace

Pep Guardiola does not expect Erling Haaland to be fit for Manchester City's Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Saturday and admitted the Norway striker is a doubt for next week's Club World Cup fixtures.

Haaland missed last weekend's win at Luton and the midweek victory over Red Star Belgrade with a foot injury, and Guardiola said he would be assessed on Friday afternoon.

Speaking ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace, Guardiola said that Haaland had arrived at their training ground, and he would see what their doctors say about his status.

He said: 'Hopefully he can travel to Saudi [for the Club World Cup], whether he can play the first game or the second, I don't know.

'I don't think he will be ready to play this weekend, maybe he surprises me.

'I'm not worried. It is just stress (related). Day by day, week by week, we have to see how he is.'

Man City have won both of their games without the Norwegian striker though Crystal Palace could prove to be a difficult test.

Guardiola's side have failed to win three of their last five home meetings against the Eagles in the Premier League - sharing two wins apiece and one draw in that time.

The Spaniard said: 'It has always been a tough game. How they defend is brilliant.

'It is never easy against Roy Hodgson, (Patrick) Vieira too, but especially with Roy.

The reigning Premier League champions will fly out to Saudi Arabia this weekend as they look to win the Club World Cup at their first attempt.

They will meet the winners of Mexican side Leon and Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday. The final then takes place in Jeddah on December 22.

Haaland has scored 19 goals in 22 appearances all competitions, in what has been another prolific season.

Guardiola, speaking about