Pep Guardiola has revealed that Haaland is likely to miss this weekend’s FA Cup fixture after being taken off against Fulham on Wednesday
Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night came at a cost, with Erling Haaland coming off at half time after getting on the scoresheet. Manager Pep Guardiola has insisted this was done as a precaution, but it looks likely that he will be given the weekend off when the Citizens host Salford City in the FA Cup.
Haaland scored City’s third of the night in the 39th minute, his first non-penalty goal since December, so there was some surprise when the Norwegian didn’t return for the second half. The good news for Man City fans, however, is that it seems the 25-year-old may just be in need of a rest.
Speaking to the press after the game, Guardiola explained that the striker had been taken off as a precaution due to struggling with niggles recently. There is currently no indication, therefore, that he should be facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
“Niggles. He didn’t feel comfortable,” said Guardiola when asked about the substitution.
“The reason why? He played many games. I didn’t speak with the doctors; I don’t know exactly what he has.
“He said he didn’t feel comfortable and at 3-0, with Omar [Marmoush] and more games to come, it was common sense.”
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FA Cup a good chance to rest Haaland
Although Guardiola didn’t elaborate too much, it would be logical to expend that Haaland might sit out this Saturday’s FA Cup match against League Two outfit Salford City.
While it appears there are no serious injury concerns regarding the striker at present, if he isn’t given a rest that could change and City don’t want to risk their talisman breaking down ahead of the Premier League run in.
Haaland hasn’t missed a single Premier League or Champions League game this season for Manchester City, an ever present in both competitions.
With 29 goals in 37 games and his recent goal drought now ended, Guardiola will want his striker firing on all cylinders as City look to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Man City injury update
While Haaland is believed to be available for the weekend’s visit of Salford City, several players are expected to definitely miss the game with injury problems. Savinho, Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić and Jérémy Doku remain on the sidelines.
Savinho and Doku could return to action later this month, with Kovačić a little later. Gvardiol, meanwhile, isn’t expected back until May with his ankle injury.