Man City dealt Erling Haaland injury concern ahead of new season

Man City dealt Erling Haaland injury concern ahead of new season

Erling Haaland has been substituted at half-time in Manchester City’s friendlies vs AC Milan and Barcelona

Erling Håland of Manchester City warms up prior to a pre-season match between City and FC Barcelona
Erling Haaland was taken off at half time of Manchester City’s friendly draw with Barcelona as a precaution amid injury concerns

Erling Haaland has handed Manchester City an injury concern ahead of the new season, with Pep Guardiola confirming he has minor muscular problems that forced him to be replaced at half time vs Barcelona.

Haaland has started all three friendlies in the USA, scoring in the first two and seeing a third goal not given against Barcelona on Tuesday despite replays showing his effort crossed the line. However, he was replaced at the break again, with Guardiola saying the Milan change was pre-planned.

But against Barcelona, the substitution was forced after Haaland reported muscular problems, with the City chief confirming he replaced the striker as a precaution so he doesn’t miss the start of the season.

READ MORE: What Jack Grealish did after Man City goal vs Barcelona showed his true colours

READ MORE: Man City player ratings vs Barcelona as Grealish and Phillips good

“He got some niggles. He didn’t feel good,” Guardiola said. “He is disturbing something, doesn’t feel comfortable, we don’t want to take risks.

TOP STORIES
1
Barcelona vs Man City live match updates as Jack Grealish levels in four-goal thriller
2
Man City vs Barcelona kick-off delayed as warning issued
3
What channel is Man City vs Barcelona friendly? TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
“Sooner or later he has to take a step. He has niggles, muscular, don’t want to take a risk and lose him for three weeks. That would be a problem. 60, 70 per cent of the squad are on holiday.

“At the same time, we have alternatives, Oscar [Bobb] makes an incredible job. We’re pleased with many things.”

Guardiola also reserved praise for youngster Nico O’Reilly, who scored on his third start of the tour and will be a ‘proper player’ according to the manager.

“He was injured, he had a long injury last season,” said the City chief of the midfielder. He comes back, in middle of last season he trains with us, and I said ‘Wow, this guy is big.’

“Normally all the academy players are little Oscar Bobb’s. He is good in the header, so strong in the duels. In attacking midfield you will see him arrive in the positions – holding midfielder, attacking midfielder. From the academy, we are blessed to have these players.

“They have to compete with the other guys, the young players push the older guys. They are hungry, starving. They want to be football players and show they are there.”

READ NEXT:

Barcelona vs Man City live match updates as Jack Grealish levels in four-goal thriller
Man City vs Barcelona kick-off delayed as warning issued
‘I’m 63 and Boots’ £10 alternative to Botox makes me look 10 years younger’
Gardeners hail ‘brilliant’ way to instantly tidy up messy patios and gardens for £9
What channel is Man City vs Barcelona friendly? TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Follow Manchester Evening News
Facebook
Twitter
Comment
MORE ON
Manchester City FCErling Haaland
Up Next

Barcelona vs Man City live match updates as Jack Grealish levels in four-goal thriller
SPORT
ALL
TOP STORIES
Lauryn Goodman told she treated Kyle Walker ‘like chequebook’ as she suffers court defeat
COURTS
United’s new signing Zirkzee has reported for pre-season – but there’s a twist
MANCHESTER UNITED FC
Defensively obsessed – inside Ruud van Nistelrooy’s United return
MANCHESTER UNITED FC
‘He’s a f****** German’… son killed dad in hammer attack, jury told
COURTS
Six arrested after ‘machete fight’ breaks out on seafront as terrified crowds flee
NATIONAL NEWS
Tension and anger as PM berated during visit to lay wreath in Southport
SOUTHPORT
We were promised a rebuild of North Manchester General – will it happen?
NHS
Met Office declares ‘hottest day’ as temp hits 32C – but thunderstorms loom
THE MET OFFICE
Quick-thinking teacher locked kids in toilet as knifeman attacked
SOUTHPORT
She was 80-years-old and begged “please don’t take my bag” but he ignored her
BOLTON
The ‘wonderful’ chocolate shop hidden away in Manchester city centre
MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE
Inside the Trafford Centre’s huge £3 summer fairground with splash park and beach
THE TRAFFORD CENTRE
NEWS
WHAT’S ON
SPORT
BUSINESS
FOLLOW US
InYourArea
mynewsassistant
Discount Codes
Beauty Box Subscription
Marketplace
Public Notices
Buy a photo
Contact Us
About Us
Work for us
Advertise with Us
Mirror Bingo
How to Complain
Corrections and Clarifications
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Notice
AI Notice
Cookie Notice
Our RSS Feeds
Newsletter Signup
Syndication & Licensing
Notifications and alerts help
Do not sell or share my data
© 2024 M.E.N Media