Pep Guardiola says he does not have “an answer” regarding the striker’s fitness
Manchester City are not the same team without Erling Haaland. The Norwegian missed the narrow victory over Leeds United on Saturday but Pep Guardiola would want him back as soon as possible for their upcoming fixtures.
City remain competitive on three fronts but are especially facing narrow margins as they seek to move past Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with ten games to go (nine for the Gunners).
Haaland was ruled out of the 1-0 win at Elland Road after picking up an issue during training in the days leading up to the match. Guardiola refused to provide a firm timeline for his return, but sources have said that early indications suggest the problem is not serious.
The Norway international, who has scored 29 goals across all competitions this season, is expected to undergo further assessment early this week as City prepare for Wednesday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium.
“I don’t have an answer right now,” Guardiola said after the game at Elland Road. “He was not ready for today but we have four days before Nottingham Forest and after, three days to the FA Cup at Newcastle at 8 pm.”
City’s schedule quickly intensifies following the Forest fixture, with an FA Cup fifth-round tie away to Newcastle United looming, a kickoff time Guardiola appeared less than pleased about.
“Thank you so much for that time, to go better to Madrid with less recovery, thank you,” Guardiola quipped.
There was also concern for midfielder Nico O’Reilly, who was substituted midway through the second half against Leeds after sustaining an ankle injury and will undergo checks alongside Haaland in the coming days.
