Pep Guardiola gives update on Erling Haaland ahead of Man City vs Brentford following death of close friend

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Erling Haaland will have to make a short-term decision as to whether he will play against Brentford this weekend following the death of a close family friend.

Ivar Eggja was best man at father Alf-Inge Haaland’s wedding and was affectionately called “uncle” by Erling. Eggja, 59, developed a close personal relationship with the Manchester City striker and was an important part of his inner circle.

“You are a legend, Ivar,” Haaland posted on social media this week, alongside a series of photos with Eggja. “Words cannot describe how much you meant to me! Words cannot describe how much we will miss you!”

“Thank you for everything, you madman. We will see each other again. Rest in peace, Ivar.”

Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta also paid tribute.

“Ever since I met you, I thought your power was to light up any room,” she said. “I didn’t know it was a superpower and that you would go through so much so quickly in a way that is the best example of strength, dignity, tolerance and optimism that family and friends could only dream of.”

“It was an honor to be a small part of your journey.”

Haaland was photographed training with the team on Thursday, but ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, City manager Pep Guardiola said: “It was a difficult moment for him and his family. It was sad news… Our thoughts are with him and his family. We will see tomorrow if he is mentally and physically fit to play.”

If Haaland starts, Brentford will need to keep him in check if they are to build on their 3-1 win over newly promoted Southampton before the international break.

The Norwegian scored two hat-tricks in his first three games against Ipswich and West Ham.

When asked how to stop Haaland, Brentford manager Thomas Frank said: “It’s almost impossible. Many teams have tried to neutralise him, but he is a great player.”