Pep Guardiola has eased fears over Erling Haaland’s availability for Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Real Madrid, confirming the striker’s absence from the FA Cup win over Newcastle was a strategic rest.
Erling Haaland is expected to return to the starting lineup for Manchester City’s critical visit to the Santiago Bernabéu after being omitted from the squad for Saturday’s 3-1 victory against Newcastle.
Guardiola clarified that the move was pre-planned to ensure his talisman was fresh for the season-defining fixtures ahead.
“I was not planning to play him,” Guardiola explained, adding, “I would prefer good training sessions than to travel and play just 10-15 minutes.”
While Haaland returns, Josko Gvardiol remains a long-term absentee following a tibial fracture sustained in January, with his return not expected until the summer.
Mateo Kovacic is showing signs of progress after a second ankle surgery, having recently rejoined first-team training.
Guardiola noted the midfielder’s improving condition, stating, “Maybe he can give us good quality until the end of the season,” though his match fitness remains a primary concern for the coaching staff.