Erling Haaland suffers muscular injury ahead of crucial FA Cup and Premier League fixtures – Kevin De Bruyne availability also revealed

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the fitness of both Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne ahead of Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

Both Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were withdrawn during extra-time on Wednesday evening against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, with the attacking duo unavailable for the dramatic quarter-final penalty shoot-out.

Manchester City exited the European competition after a 3-4 loss on penalties, with both Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic having spot kicks saved by Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

De Bruyne had levelled the tie in the 76th minute with a thumping effort from close range, drawing Pep Guardiola’s side level after Rodrygo’s 12th minute goal.

Manchester City registered 33 attempts and dominated possession against the La Liga giants, but were forced to replace Haaland, De Bruyne and centre-back Manuel Akanji during extra-time due to fitness concerns.

Haaland missed almost two months of the campaign due to a foot injury earlier this season, meanwhile De Bruyne was sidelined for five months after undergoing hamstring surgery in August.

The Sky Blues are bidding to bounce back from midweek’s disappointment by reaching the Emirates FA Cup Final for a second consecutive season, with Manchester City facing Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening.

Guardiola’s side have drawn both Premier League games against the west London club this season, but are unbeaten in their past eight matches in all competitions against Chelsea.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s semi-final clash in the capital, Guardiola revealed that Haaland could miss the fixture due to a muscular problem, but that De Bruyne could be available to feature.

“Erling [Haaland] felt something, muscular issue, that’s why he asked to come off [against Real Madrid]. Kevin [De Bruyne] felt his hamstring, so tired. After what happened, that is normal,” said Guardiola.

Manchester United or Coventry City await the winners of Saturday’s semi-final clash, with the potential for a Manchester derby FA Cup Final for successive years, with City having beaten United to the trophy last year with a 2-1 victory.