Pep Guardiola issues worrying Erling Haaland injury update following Leeds United win
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The striker missed the win over Leeds United.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he is unaware of Erling Haaland’s comeback date following the talismanic striker’s forced absence from Saturday’s close victory over Leeds United.
In a tense match in Yorkshire, the glaring withdrawal of the Norwegian sensation from the City squad at Elland Road left the Premier League side from Manchester to depend on a single goal from Antoine Semenyo to win all three points.
When the squad bus arrived without the division’s top marksman, Haaland, the travelling supporters were immediately alarmed.
The 25-year-old had a problem in his knee after it was later discovered that he had suffered a minor injury while training. Before the Leeds game, Pep Guardiola clarified:
“Two days ago, in the last moments of training, [Haaland] had some problems, a little injury. It’s not a big issue, but he’s not ready for today.”
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Guardiola opens up about Erling Haaland’s injury situation
Pep Guardiola first played down the seriousness of the knock, but after the final whistle at Elland Road, his tone became more serious. In response to a question regarding how he felt about playing Leeds without his star forward, the Catalan coach told Sky Sports:
“I wish he’d come back!”
The City boss was also asked regarding a potential timeline for his star forward’s recovery.
Guardiola said: “I don’t know.”
For Manchester City, who are about to enter a crucial period of the season across three separate tournaments, the timing of the injury is far from ideal. The Cityzens will play Nottingham Forest in the middle of the week, then travel to face Newcastle United for the FA Cup fifth round and then face Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16.
Their quadruple aspirations would be severely hampered if they lost Erling Haaland for any length of time, particularly as they try to battle with Premier League leaders Arsenal for the title.
How long will Haaland be out?
Guardiola hasn’t given the exact date for his return.
Where do City stand in the table?
They are second in the table.
Whom are City playing next?
They are all set to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
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