Erling Haaland out of Man City squad at Leeds as absence confirmed | OneFootball

Erling Haaland will miss this evening’s match at Leeds United, with Manchester City confirming the striker is not in the squad.

Haaland is the Premier League’s leading scorer with 22 goals in 27 games. He drew a blank in City’s 3-2 win in November’s reverse fixture. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, rumours of his absence circulated earlier on Saturday before confirmation at 16.15.

He was not seen stepping off the team bus at Elland Road, and City’s starting XI later arrived without him.

Rayan Cherki comes into the line-up, with Egyptian international Omar Marmoush expected to spearhead the attack. He is set to be flanked by Cherki and £64million January signing Antoine Semenyo.

Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Nico O’Reilly form the midfield, the latter having scored twice in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United last time out. Marc Guehi starts alongside Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes and Rayan Ait-Nouri, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.

Leeds have no late injury issues and Daniel Farke names an unchanged side from the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa. James Justin keeps his place with Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, as Jaka Bijol drops to the bench.

Anton Stach remains the most advanced of a midfield three with Ila Gruev and Ethan Ampadu, while Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson operate at wing-back. Brenden Aaronson partners Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk