Pep Guardiola reveals Erling Haaland ‘is not comfortable’ with minor muscle issue after the striker following Man City’s friendly against Barcelona – with the Spaniard not wanting to take ‘risks’ over his star man’s fitness
- Erling Haaland was substituted at half-time during Man City’s friendly against Barcelona
- Pep Guardiola will manage Haaland’s playing time next season
- City take on fierce rivals Manchester United in the Community Shield next week
Pep Guardiola is managing Erling Haaland’s playing time as Manchester City worry about their star player’s fitness ahead of the new season.
Haaland was substituted at half-time in the last two friendlies against AC Milan and Barcelona, while other players were allowed to play longer.
City play Manchester United in the Community Shield next Saturday, before their Premier League defence begins at Chelsea.
“Erling is not comfortable,” Guardiola said. “We don’t want to take risks. But sooner or later he has to take a step with training and minutes.
“The season is here, around the corner. He has some ailments, muscular, we don’t want to take a risk and lose him for three weeks or a month. That would be a problem.”
Erling Haaland has played just 45 minutes in his last two pre-season games
Pep Guardiola has revealed the Norwegian striker is suffering from muscle pain
Haaland thought he had scored during the 2-2 draw against Barca, but the linesman ruled the Norwegian’s effort had not crossed the goal line.
The move was made by the impressive Oscar Bobb, who could be an option through the middle if Haaland is absent for a while. Julian Alvarez, who is considering his future, is away at the Olympics with Argentina.
“He wasn’t feeling well and that’s why he didn’t play the second half,” Guardiola added.
‘Sixty to seventy percent of the selection is on vacation. That’s why we need the players. At the same time, we have alternatives, Oscar is doing great again. We are satisfied with many things.’
