By Frank McAvennie

14th Feb, 2023 | 2:29pm

Arsenal handed 'huge' boost ahead of Man City showdown after Erling Haaland latest - pundit

Frank McAvennie has suggested Arsenal don’t need to worry about Erling Haaland even if he is not injured for the game on Wednesday (15 February).

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said Man City have not been fully utilising Haaland in recent games which will be a positive for the Gunners heading into tomorrow night’s game.

The 22-year-old was subbed off at half time in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa with a knock.

As quoted by football.london (14 February), Pep Guardiola said he “doesn’t know” if the striker will be available for the top of the table clash.

The Norway international hasn’t scored in his last two league appearances for the Cityzens despite already netting 25 goals in the English top flight.

McAvennie has suggested Arsenal may not need to worry about Haaland even if he isn’t injured.

“The way Man City has been playing with Haaland has not been very good,” he told Football Insider.

“He is a beast and I would say he is the best striker in the world and he is not getting used. [Kevin] De Bruyne is the only one that passes the ball to him.

“He is not being given a chance. They played really well in the second half without him, so it’s not huge if he starts or not.

“What a statement it is if Man City win the game. Pep has got to play his best team. Whoever wins on Wednesday will win the league. It is a huge ask for Arsenal.”

In other news, according to sources, Bukayo Saka close to agreeing bumper Arsenal deal after new talks.