Pep Guardiola reveals Erling Haaland injury fear ahead of key upcoming Premier League fixtures

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed fresh concerns surrounding the fitness of striker Erling Haaland.

The 23-year-old missed Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening, as Pep Guardiola’s side bounced back from Wednesday’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid with a late victory.

Haaland, who was absent for the penalty shoot-out loss to Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in midweek, requested to be withdrawn during extra-time, and was subsequently replaced by Julian Alvarez during the Champions League quarter-final.

Bernardo Silva was one of two Manchester City players to miss during the midweek shoot-out, but scored the winning goal at Wembley on Saturday, netting in the 84th with a close range finish at the far post.

The victory booked the Sky Blues’ place in successive FA Cup final for the first time since 1956, and also extended Manchester City’s current unbeaten run to 29 matches across all competitions – a new club record.

Guardiola’s side have seven further matches this campaign, and victory across all remaining games would see Manchester City complete a domestic double, lifting both the Premier League title and FA Cup trophy.

The immediate availability of striker Haaland is of concern however, with the Norway forward facing the prospect of another period on the sidelines, with the 23-year-old having already missed a number of matches this season due to injury.

The striker was absent from the matchday squad against Chelsea this weekend and could miss Thursday’s Premier League trip to Brighton, according to manager Guardiola.

Manchester City also face a key away trip to Nottingham Forest next Sunday, with title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool both playing two Premier League fixtures before the Sky Blues’ trip to the AMEX Stadium on Thursday night.

Speaking about Haaland’s injury at Wembley on Saturday, Guardiola said: “He’s injured. I don’t think it’s much but he’s not able for today. I don’t know (if he will be back for the next game).”

Haaland missed almost two months of the campaign between December and January due to a foot injury, forcing the Norwegian to miss the Blues’ FIFA Club World Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia, alongside fixtures in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

The striker is currently joint-leader in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot, with 20 goals so far this season in the league.