Pep Guardiola explains why Erling Haaland missed FA Cup match before Real Madrid showdown | OneFootball

Erling Haaland is poised to make his return for Manchester City’s crucial Champions League encounter against Real Madrid, having spent the weekend intensely training and focusing on his pace.

The prolific Norway international was notably absent from City’s FA Cup fifth-round victory at Newcastle on Saturday, as manager Pep Guardiola opted to rotate his squad.

This marked Haaland’s second absence in three matches, following a knock that kept him out of the previous weekend’s Premier League win at Leeds.

Guardiola explained his decision, stating: "I didn’t think to let him play and I prefer him training to make a rhythm. After injury, when he drops, he always struggles a little bit to have that real, real pace."

Several other key players, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva, were also rested, remaining as unused substitutes at St James’ Park.

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City are set to bring back a number of key players to face Real Madrid, including Gianluigi Donnarumma (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki, and Phil Foden only featured in the latter stages of the 3-1 win.

City are set to visit the Bernabeu for the second time this season on Wednesday, where they will face Real in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

However, the trip may come too soon for defender or midfielder Rico Lewis, who has missed the last four games. Guardiola confirmed: "He has a problem with his ankle, a little bit swollen, but he’s nearly back."

The City boss also expressed hope that both midfielder Mateo Kovacic and defender Josko Gvardiol will return before the season concludes.

Kovacic has made only two appearances this term due to an ankle injury, while Gvardiol has been sidelined since breaking his leg in January.

Of Kovacic, Guardiola said: "Great news, finally he’s back training for the last three or four training sessions. Still, his condition needs time. Maybe he can give us good quality time until the end of the season."