Manchester City are looking to bridge the gap to Arsenal in the Premier League title race, but they have fitness concerns over key players including Erling Haaland

Manchester City host Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest on Wednesday as they look to keep pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in all competitions since the 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt at the end of January. They last tasted disappointment in the top-flight three days earlier when Manchester United ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby.

City have emerged out of a tricky period as Arsenal’s closest challengers with the Gunners under pressure to capitalise on their lead at the summit. Their 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday restored a five-point gap but with a win over Forest, the deficit can be reduced to two points.

They return to the Etihad Stadium after their 1-0 win over Leeds United after beating Daniel Farke’s side without Erling Haaland’s services.

Nico O’Reilly limped off in the final 20 minutes of the triumph to add a blemish to the result. Speaking on Tuesday, Guardiola provided an update on the England defender and their star striker.

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Here, we round up their latest fitness concerns.

Erling Haaland

The Norwegian missed the trip to Elland Road with a “little injury” and Guardiola raised doubts over whether he would be fit enough to feature for the visit of Forest.

The City head coach relayed positive news about the striker but said a decision will be made.

He said: “He feels much better but yesterday we didn’t train and now we have training. We’ll decide today.”

Potential return date: March 4 vs Nottingham Forest

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Nico O’Reilly

An ankle issue forced O’Reilly off at Elland Road on Saturday after picking up the problem during the 1-0 win.

The 20-year-old has emerged as a breakout star for City this season and he has been in red-hot form after turning goalscorer in the important win over Newcastle United.

He scored twice in the triumph over the Magpies but there will be an anxious wait over his fitness as they will also monitor his fitness ahead of a gruelling week which sees a trip to Newcastle United in the FA Cup on Saturday before their Champions League first-leg against Real Madrid.

Guardiola said: “The same, we will decide after training.”

Potential return date: March 4 vs Nottingham Forest

Josko Gvardiol

It was as a result of Josko Gvardiol’s leg injury that City sprung into action during the January transfer window.

The Croatian stopper’s injury compounded their injury troubles and led to the signing of Marc Guehi. While the England international has been a crucial addition, City will be looking for him to return to full fitness as soon as possible after being a versatile option for Guardiola’s side.

He suffered a fractured leg against Chelsea in January and is expected to remain sidelined for a lengthy period.

In a post to social media, he wrote: “This is a hard moment, but it will never define me. I know who I am and where I come from.

“I’ll fight every day to return stronger. I will rise again, better than ever.”

Potential return date: Unknown.

Mateo Kovacic

The Croatian midfielder has been out for the majority of the season with an ankle injury and it is expected that he will be out for at least May.

Kovacic will have a race against time to be fit for the World Cup, in what could be one of his final tournaments, as the 31-year-old looks to be in contention in time for the prestigious competition.

The City boss has said previously: “We think Mateo will be ready for the World Cup, probably even earlier. It’s a complex injury and treatment; things are monitored daily. Recovery is going well.”

Potential return date: May.

Max Alleyne

Max Alleyne remains sidelined after picking up a knock during the FA Cup win over Salford City, last month.

There have been no fresh injury updates from Guardiola on the 20-year-old.

Potential return date: Unknown.

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