Erling Haaland: Pep Guardiola unsure if Man City striker will play Brentford after death of close friend

Pep Guardiola is unsure whether Erling Haaland will play in Manchester City’s game against Brentford after being offered compassionate leave following the death of a family friend.

The Haaland family are grieving the passing of Ivar Eggja, who has died at the age of 59. Haaland affectionately referred to Eggja as ‘uncle’, with him performing a crucial role in the player’s camp.

And Guardiola was non-committal when asked if Haaland would be in his squad for Brentford’s visit on Saturday.

“It’s a tough moment for him and his family,” he said. “Our thoughts are with him and all of his family. We will see tomorrow if he is mentally and physically able to play.”

Haaland posted an emotional message to Eggja on Instagram after his passing.

“You are a legend, Ivar,” Haaland wrote. “Words cannot describe how much you meant to me! Words cannot describe how much you will be missed! Thank you for everything, you madman. We will see each other again. Rest in peace, Ivar.”

Eggja was the best man when Haaland’s father Alf-Inge married his mother Gry Marita and has played a key role in the striker’s life.

When Haaland joined City in 2022 it was Eggja who found him an apartment and ensured it was properly furnished so he could focus on playing.

He did the same thing when he moved to former clubs Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund too.

Haaland once said: “I think if I had been all alone and had to choose my own apartment and go shopping in IKEA, I wouldn't have scored three goals against Augsburg on my Dortmund debut.”