Erling Haaland’s (£12.2m) withdrawal through injury against Aston Villa on Sunday could have major repercussions for Fantasy Premier League managers.
The forward was the most-captained player in Double Gameweek 23, handed the armband by 6.7 million managers for Manchester City’s meetings with Villa and Arsenal.
A further 354,000+ played their Triple Captain chip on the Norwegian, who is now a doubt to face Arsenal on Wednesday.
“Erling has a kick and we will see,” Guardiola told Man City's official website. “We will assess him in the next few days to see how severe it is.
“At half-time I spoke with the doctors to see and they said maybe at 3-0 we don't need to take a risk and I agreed with the doctors.
“If the score was more tight maybe I wouldn't do it. I think he’s not injured but tomorrow we will see. Hopefully he can play there on Wednesday. If he’s not ready or it’s a risk he’s not going to play."
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What should Haaland owners do?
While Haaland's injury does not seem serious, managers should stay across the news in the coming days and be ready to act if required.
If Haaland is ruled out for a period of time, his huge 85 ownership means millions of managers will be forced into the transfer market.
At a cost of just £6.0m, his team-mate Julian Alvarez could be a value gem as a replacement forward.
Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah (£6.8m) and Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez (£8.7m) each have a Double Gameweek 25 to offer a short-term solution, while Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane (£11.8m) is a like-for-like swap in the premium bracket.
Other considerations
Haaland’s high cost could also influence managers’ plans for their midfield positions.
Those who own Bruno Fernandes (£9.9m) for Manchester United’s Blank Gameweek 25 could swap him out for Mohamed Salah (£12.7m) for Liverpool’s Double Gameweek 25 by moving out Haaland for a mid-priced forward.
Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez (£7.8m) will profit from penalty duties for Man City. Indeed, the Algerian converted a spot-kick against Villa despite Haaland being on the pitch.
Mahrez has scored four of his five goals this term, and supplied five of his six assists, since the season resumed.
