Pep Guardiola confirms Erling Haaland injury blow ahead of FA Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland is out of today’s match due to an injury. The City manager also cast doubts about Haaland’s availability for the champions’ next Premier League match against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

Speaking before today’s match against Chelsea, Pep Guardiola was asked about Haaland’s absence from the City squad for today’s match. He told the media: “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.”

City’s number 9 was substituted at the end of normal time during City’s penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid. It was unusual to see a player of Haaland’s stature substituted ahead of extra time of such a crucial game. But Pep Guardiola revealed that Haaland had asked to be substituted due to the striker feeling a niggle. He also revealed during his pre-game press conference yesterday that Haaland was in doubt for today’s match.

After today’s game attention will then shift to any updates from Manchester City training before they take on Brighton next week. Pep Guardiola will be hoping to have his star striker back available for selection as soon as possible as his team chases a fourth consecutive Premier League title.