Argentinian Julian Alvarez led the line for City at Kenilworth Road in the absence of Haaland, who is instead resting at home while recovering.

Pep Guardiola confirmed the Norwegian star was missing the fixture due to a stress fracture in his foot.

He said: ‘[Haaland has a ] Bone stress reaction and isn’t fit. After the last game against Aston VIlla, he felt like this and he cannot play. I don’t know [if it’s bad]. Week by week, day by day, let’s see what happens.’

The reigning champions are fourth in the table after dropping points against Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Haaland’s absence was confirmed two hours before the game, with City arriving at Kenilworth Road without the striker.

City are also without Jeremy Doku, but both Rodri and Jack Grealish are present after missing the 1-0 defeat at Villa Park due to suspension

The pair were both ruled out of City’s clash with Villa after racking up five yellow cards each.

City will be looking to prove a point against Luton and silence any doubters after coming under fire for dropping points in their last four games.

Speaking about the criticism City have faced, Guardiola said: ‘What they demand of us, they didn’t demand of our friends — at all.

‘There is only one team that is going to ‘fail’ to win the Premier League, that is us. For the rest, (winning) it is a big success. Any team.

‘In the end, if they don’t win — Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, everyone — it is normal because City should win. It is unfair. It is difficult to handle that every week, every three days, for years and years.’

Share or comment on this article: Pep Guardiola is left sweating on the fitness of star man Erling Haaland… with Man City boss admitting he ‘doesn’t know’ how long striker will be out with ‘bone stress injury’.