The prolific forward was taken off at half-time in City’s last two friendlies against AC Milan and Barcelona. With just over two weeks to go in the new Premier League season, Guardiola has raised concerns over the Norway international’s injury.
After the 2-2 draw against Barcelona, he said: “Erling is not comfortable. We don’t want to take any risks. But sooner or later he will have to take a step forward with training and playing minutes. The season is there, just around the corner. We don’t want to take the risk of losing him for three weeks or a month. That would be a problem.
Haaland injured again
“He didn’t feel well and that’s why he didn’t play the second half. Sixty-seven percent of the squad is on vacation. That’s why we need the players. At the same time, we have alternatives, Oscar (Bobb) is doing an incredible job again. We are happy with many things.”
Haaland has been the Premier League’s top scorer for the past two seasons and has played a key role in City’s recent title triumphs. Should he miss the start of the 2024-25 campaign, it would be a huge blow to the reigning champions – and a huge boost to their rivals.
City will end their tour of the United States with a trip to Chelsea on Saturday, before taking on Manchester United at Wembley in the Community Shield on August 10. Eight days later, they will begin their title defence away to Chelsea.
