Pep Guardiola not expecting Erling Haaland to be out for long | OneFootball

Manchester City fans held their breath when the team sheet for Saturday’s clash with Leeds United arrived without Erling Haaland leading the line.

The Norwegian talisman, who has been a pivotal figure in City’s pursuit of a seventh Premier League title under Pep Guardiola, was a surprise omission from the matchday squad, sparking immediate concerns of a major injury setback at such a crucial stage of the season.

However, speaking ahead of his side’s eventual 1-0 victory at Elland Road, Pep Guardiola moved quickly to de-escalate the panic.

Addressing the media, the City manager revealed that a minor incident during Thursday’s training session was the reason for the striker’s absence.

“Two days ago in training, he had some problems and a little injury,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.

“Not a big issue, but not ready for today – we are without one top striker, and we are playing with another top striker.”

The decision to sideline Haaland appears to be a calculated move to manage his workload.

With a relentless March schedule on the horizon, including a potential Champions League quarter-final and a title-defining run of fixtures, Guardiola opted for caution.

In Haaland’s absence, City showed resilience to edge past Leeds United, moving to within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, who host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.

City will hope to have their top scorer back for Wednesday’s clash against Nottingham Forest as they seek to continue their title charge.