Pep Guardiola gives update on Erling Haaland after latest injury scare

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has broken his silence over the status of star striker Erling Haaland. The Norwegian was injured during the pre-season game against AC Milan. It raised huge alarm bells in the Manchester City camp with the Blues who were set to take on Manchester United in the Community Shield game in a few weeks. 

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Man City boss said, “Erling is not comfortable. We don’t want to take risks. Sooner or later he has to take a step with training and minutes. The season is there, around the corner. He has niggles, muscular, we don’t want to take a risk and lose him for three weeks or a month. That would be a problem.”

Erling Haaland had missed a few games last season during the English Premier League due to niggles. The young Norwegian striker is one of the best players in the world along with Kylian Mbappe of France who is set to play for Real Madrid in the coming season. 

Pep Guardiola praises youngsters 

Manchester City lost to FC Barcelona on penalties in their pre-season game. Despite not possessing some of their big players the English Premier League champions gave the Catalans a tough fight. Erling Haaland was withdrawn at half-time after the Norwegian could be seen in visible discomfort. 

Manchester Evening News quoted the City boss as saying, “Sixty, 70 per cent of the squad are on holiday. At the same time, we have alternatives, Oscar [Bobb] does an incredible job. We're pleased with many things."

Then Catalan also praised Nico O Rielly who scored the equalizing goal for the Citizens. "He was injured, he had a long injury last season. He came back, in the 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” said Guardiola. 

The Man City coach also said, “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 and starving. They want to be football players and show they are there."

Meanwhile, there are doubts about Haaland playing a part in the community shield against Manchester United. It is yet to be seen if the Norwegian can get fit in time for the game on 10th August or will be ready to face Chelsea for the season opener on 18th August.