Why Erling Haaland has missed Manchester City squad for FA Cup fifth round tie against Newcastle United | OneFootball

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has not travelled for Saturday night’s FA Cup fifth round tie against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

Pep Guardiola and co saw their winning run in all competitions come to a halt at six games in midweek as Nottingham Forest valiantly fought for a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

City remain in the running for an unprecedented quadruple and will face off against Newcastle United and Real Madrid in the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League Round of 16 respectively before their next Premier League fixture against West Ham.

The Blues missed Nico O’Reilly against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening due to an ankle injury but the 20-year-old Englishman has returned to the starting XI at St. James’ Park as Manchester City bid to reach the FA Cup quarter-final.

Why is Erling Haaland missing from Manchester City’s FA Cup fifth round squad?

However, Erling Haaland has not made the trip to Tyneside and has therefore not made City’s 21-player matchday squad to face Eddie Howe’s side for a fifth time this season.

Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News has reported ahead of Saturday’s 20:00 kick-off at St. James’ Park that Haaland’s absence from Manchester City’s travelling squad is not down to injury.

Instead, Guardiola has indicated that the 25-year-old Norwegian striker has been left out with a view to keep him well-rested ahead of next week’s European commitments in Spain.

Manchester City have made 10 changes to their starting XI against Newcastle United from their draw to Forest, with Matheus Nunes the sole player retaining his spot in the lineup.

Is Erling Haaland a guarantee to start against Real Madrid?

Quite simply, yes. Nearly all members of Manchester City’s bench who started against Forest but have been dropped to the bench against Newcastle United are set to revert to the lineup against Real Madrid.

Manchester City got the better of Madrid in their UEFA Champions League group-stage clash in December 2025 as they came from behind to secure a monumental 2-1 triumph in the Spanish capital courtesy of strikes from O’Reilly and Haaland.

O’Reilly has been named in the starting XI at St. James’ Park and Guardiola will likely take the Manchester City academy graduate off at some point to rest him for Real Madrid.

City must win against Newcastle United to keep their slim hopes of a quadruple alive as they look to re-gain momentum ahead of a crucial run of games in all competitions that could determine how the Blues finish their season.