Pep Guardiola has given an update on the fitness of Erling Haaland after the Manchester City striker missed his first Premier League game of the season.
The Norway international was absent from the squad at Elland Road on Saturday as his team secured a 1-0 victory over Leeds United. It was revealed that the league’s leading goalscorer was ruled out after suffering a knock in training.
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“No. It’s not his knee” Guardiola answered on the issue. Asked which part of the body is injured, the Catalan raised his eyebrows, smiled and declined to answer.
City are next in action on Wednesday night against Nottingham Forest. It is an important game for the Blues, who continue to trail Arsenal in the Premier League title race. “I don’t have an answer right now,” Guardiola said of Haaland’s availability for that match.
“So, he was not ready for today, but we have four days before Nottingham Forest.
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“After that three days before the FA Cup in Newcastle at 8pm. Thank you so much for that kick-off time to go better to Madrid with less recovery. Thank you.”
Clearly unhappy with his side’s upcoming schedule, the coach continued: “It is what it is. I know all the teams in the FA Cup play at 3 at 3 at 3. Okay, we play at 8.”
City’s boss also revealed another injury blow, after Nico O’Reilly was forced off during the win against Leeds. “Yeah, for the ankle,” Guardiola explained his substitution.
“Yeah, he had a knock in the ankle and played on and was out.”
