Stay up to date with all the latest Premier League news with our round-up of the key talking points from today’s top-flight press conferences.
Pep has Haaland fitness doubts
Pep Guardiola does not think Erling Haaland will be fit to play in Manchester City’s match against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Asked whether the striker could return after missing the last two games, the Spanish manager was not optimistic.
Guardiola, 52, said: “I don’t think so. Maybe surprisingly they tell me something new but I don’t think so.”
Yet the Treble-winning coach denied he was worried about Haaland’s absence.
He added: “It’s not a fracture, it’s just stress and sometimes with players they recover quicker, sometimes longer.
“The moment he doesn’t have symptoms, doesn’t feel pain, he’ll be ready to play again.”
No seventh heaven for Liverpool
Ahead of a crunch match at Anfield on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp played down talk of Manchester United’s poor form and last season’s 7-0 victory being an advantage for Liverpool.
He said: “I never like when the headlines about United are not great before we play because it is the game where they can put everything right.
“I don’t follow United closely enough to know what’s the problem there. But I saw Erik ten Hag became Manager of the Month last month, I saw they were the team in form last month.
“How can it be all wrong? I just don’t understand it.
“The 7-0 we knew on the day was a freakish result that happens once in a life pretty much. If it helps anybody for the next game, it’s the team who lost 7-0 and not the team who won.
“If we just play a football game against the historical rival at home at Anfield, that itself makes it a special game and that’s what I want to see. A special game.”
Arteta praises disciplinary process
Mikel Arteta has praised the independent regulatory commission’s decision to clear him of an FA charge following his comments on the officiating of Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle.
Speaking ahed of Sunday’s game against Brighton, the Gunners boss, 41, said: “It was a good, well-run process.
“They explained how they felt, I explained how I felt. The outcome is I’m not charged.
“We have to draw a line and look at how we can be more constructive, learn from it and move forward.
“The pressure we are under as managers and how important details are, we depend on results. When the outcome is that important, we get emotional about it.”
Poch on Chelsea keeper crisis
Mauricio Pochettino has spoken of his disappointment after Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez picked up a knee injury in the recent defeat to Everton.
He said: “We lost our No1 keeper so far, always it’s a player you are going to miss.
“We have other keepers who are working hard to be ready when this type of thing happens.”
Asked whether he had faith in Djordje Petrovic, who is likely to start against Sheffield United, the Argentine was positive.
Poch, 51, added: “I have faith in all my players. He arrived to Chelsea because he has potential. Of course he’s young and came from different football.
“After four or five months working with us it’s the moment for him to step up and feel good. We have the confidence in him, we trust him, his team-mates trust in him.”
Howe wants a hand
Eddie Howe has asked the Newcastle faithful to give his team a boost ahead of their home match with Fulham.
The Magpies lost at St James’ Park against AC Milan in midweek, which saw them finish bottom of their Champions League group.
Howe, 46, said: “I would encourage the supporters to make the environment as best as they can for the players.
“We need the players playing with absolute freedom, with excitement, with joy — all that we have seen at St James’ Park over my two years here.
“Their support has been absolutely incredible. I understand how they will be feeling but we need to inspire them tomorrow.”
Moyes praises Alvarez
David Moyes was full of praise for midfielder Edson Alvarez prior to West Ham’s home clash with Wolves on Sunday.
The summer signing, 26, found the net as the Hammers beat Freiburg 2-0 last night to win their Europa League group.
And Moyes said: “I think he has made a big impression very quickly. He’s helped us get some big results.
“He’s settled in quickly. I think he’s still getting used to the Premier League, the intensity and the number of games.
“Players from abroad, for example, aren’t always used to playing at this time of the year. But he’s doing very well and settled in well.”
Mexico international Alvarez was signed from Ajax in August for £35million.