Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reveals Erling Haaland injury concern ahead of new season
By Lewis Mason
Published 31/07/2024 at 10:08 GMT+1
Erling Haaland was taken off at half time in Manchester City's 2-2 pre-season draw against Barcelona, with manager Pep Guardiola saying the problem is "muscular". Despite the blow to preparations ahead of the new season, Guardiola insisted the young players he has used during their USA tour have what it takes to step up if they are called upon in the coming weeks.
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Video credit: SNTV
Erling Haaland has given Manchester City an injury concern ahead of the new season after he was replaced at half-time in their pre-season friendly against Barcelona.
The Norwegian has started all three of City’s matches on their summer tour in the USA and has been withdrawn in previous games. But they were not enforced changes like this one.
Speaking after the match, manager Pep Guardiola said: "He got some niggles. He didn't feel good.
"He is disturbing something, doesn't feel comfortable, we don't want to take risks.
"Sooner or later he has to take a step. He has niggles, muscular, [we] don't want to take a risk and lose him for three weeks. That would be a problem - 60, 70% 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."
City twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Barcelona in Orlando, before the Spanish side went on to win a penalty shootout.
Jack Grealish was on the scoresheet in Florida, as was teenager Nico O’Reilly, who has impressed Guardiola during pre-season.
"He [O'Reilly] was injured, he had a long injury last season,” Guardiola said.
“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 Bobbs. 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.”
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With many of City’s first team currently on a break following international duty, many youngsters - including O’Reilly and Bobb - have been given the opportunity to make an impact in the States.
But whether they will be included in Guardiola’s side when their Premier League title defence begins against Chelsea on August 18 remains to be seen.
"They have to compete with the other guys, the young players push the older guys,” Guardiola said. "They are hungry, starving. They want to be football players and show they are there.”
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