Erling Haaland suffers training ground injury ahead of Leeds United clash – Return date reported | OneFootball

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland is missing from the travelling squad for Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Pep Guardiola’s side are aiming for a sixth straight win in all competitions as they head to Yorkshire this time around – one week on from a hard-fought, 2-1 win at home to Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.

City remain firmly in the running for silverware on all four fronts heading deeper into the business stage of the ongoing campaign as they go head-to-head with Arsenal for the Premier League title in particular.

The Blues come into this weekend’s fixtures five points adrift of the Gunners, who have allowed City to claw their way back into the top-flight title race after a poor run of results for Mikel Arteta’s men in February.

But ahead of Saturday evening’s 17:30 (UK) kick-off between Leeds United and Manchester City, ‘FPLMaineRoad’ on X reported that Erling Haaland would be missing from the travelling squad at Elland Road.

Norwegian journalist Jan Aage Fjørtoft would go on to confirm that early information, further revealing to Viaplay Fotball that the 25-year-old had suffered a minor injury in Manchester City training leading to Saturday’s trip.

Much to the relief of supporters, that line of reporting stated that Erling Haaland is expected to return for Manchester City against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night as the Blues return to midweek duties after a fortnight.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Leeds, Pep Guardiola said of Haaland’s absence, “Two days ago, in the last moments of training, he had some problems, a little injury. It’s not a big issue, but he’s not ready for today.”

The City line-up remains otherwise unchanged for the Blues, with Pep Guardiola making just the one change from their starting line-up against Newcastle United to face Daniel Farke’s men this time around.

Rayan Cherki has come in for the injured Erling Haaland, while Jeremy Doku has also made a long-awaited return to the matchday squad after recovering from a calf injury sustained back in January.

Manchester City must win on Saturday evening to keep up the pressure on Arsenal, who face a tricky test at home against Chelsea on Sunday in a bid to fend off a renewed title challenge from the Etihad Stadium.

City have named a strong bench as a result of a series of key stars returning to fitness in recent weeks, with all of John Stones, Savinho and Abdukodir Khusanov ready to come on and make an impact if needed.

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal – as well as their entire supporter base – will no doubt be hoping for a Manchester City slip-up in the absence of Erling Haaland, but the Sky Blues have more than enough firepower up top to see off Leeds United.