Pep Guardiola gives updates on injured Manchester City forward

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has suffered a setback in his comeback from injury and may not return before next month.

The English club’s medical team withdrew the Norwegian striker from training this week and he will miss a ninth match when they travel to Newcastle on Saturday.

The 23-year-old is struggling to beat a foot problem that left him unable to walk after last month’s loss to Aston Villa. Now boss Pep Guardiola hopes a week-long training camp in Abu Dhabi, with City flying on Wednesday, will boost his recovery.

“Yeah, a little bit,” he said when asked if Haaland had suffered a setback in his recovery.

“He’s fine, but a little problem, disturbing his feet. The doctors decide to stop for one week and restart maybe in Abu Dhabi.

“Hopefully at the end of this month he will be ready. A little bit more than we expected at the beginning in his bone.

“The bone needs time. Every injury you can do what you want but it’s a question of time.

“He’ll be ready to come back at the end of this month.”

Guardiola also confirmed that Manuel Akanji will not play at St James’ Park after earlier stating that John Stones will not feature.

The Swiss defender was withdrawn in the 18th minute of last week’s FA Cup victory over Huddersfield Town after being on the receiving end of an agricultural tackle.

“He’ll be out a few weeks,” said our manager.

“It’s not a big blow but until the end of the month. Maybe for the FA Cup v Spurs or Burnley he’ll be ready.

“We’re lucky to be without a game for ten days after tomorrow. We’ll see in Abu Dhabi how they feel.”