Poch sure Chelsea plans won’t go down the toilet

Here’s more on that pretty big – although not definitive news – from Pep Guardiola that he does not expect Erling Haaland to make Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace tomorrow.

Haaland missed Sunday’s win at Luton with what Guardiola has called a “bone stress reaction” in his foot. The 23-year-old did not travel for their Champions League win at Crvena zvezda, but did travel in midweek to receive treatment.

Palace’s visit is followed by Man City’s Club World Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia, and Guardiola is hopeful Haaland will be part of the travelling squad. Here’s what Guardiola said, via our own Sam Lee, starting with whether he’ll make tomorrow:

💬 “I don’t think so. He’s been having treatment away. He arrived today and we’ll see; the doctors, they will see him. Hopefully he can travel to Saudi after the game and after, we’ll see if he’s able to play the first game or second.

“No (he is not worried about it). It’s not structure, it’s just stress. Day by day, week by week, we have to see how he feels.”

Haaland had started every league game for City before Luton, scoring 14 goals in his 15 appearances. Julian Alvarez, who has predominantly featured in an advanced midfield role this season, led the line against Luton, while Oscar Bobb played as City’s No 9 in Serbia on Wednesday.