Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained why Erling Haaland missed his Premier League game against Leicester City.
The defending Premier League champions left Haaland out of the squad to face Leicester City. The Norwegian had suffered a knock to the foot during Man City’s Champions League match against his former team Borussia Dortmund earlier this week.
Guardiola had taken him off at half-time against Dortmund and after the game he cited three reasons why he was substituted. The Man City coach said that Haaland was tired, that he had a fever and that he had hit himself.
In the press conference prior to the match against Leicester City, Guardiola was unable to confirm whether Haaland would be available for selection against the Foxes.
Pep Guardiola explains why Erling Haaland missed Man City vs Leicester City match
Speaking to BT Sport before kick-off, Guardiola revealed that the ligament injury he sustained during the match against Dortmund ruled him out of the Man City vs Leicester City match.
“Yes [the reason he went off vs Dortmund is why he is missing]. He has recovered from the fever, from the tiredness, but not from the ligament,” Guardiola told BT Sport. [via Manchester Evening News].
Meanwhile, Man City secured a 1-0 victory over Leicester City despite the absence of the highly rated Norway international. After a goalless first half, Kevin de Bruyne struck from a free kick in the 49th minute to give Man City the lead.
Leicester City had awarded Jack Grealish a foul in a dangerous position. De Bruyne stepped forward to take the shot, and his shot hit the post. That would prove to be the winner, as Man City took home all three points.
The win also lifts Man City to the top of the Premier League points table. Guardiola’s team has 29 points in 12 league games this season. They are one point behind Arsenal, but the Gunners have a game to play.
Arsenal have 28 points, but the North London side have only played 11 league games so far this season. They host Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in their next league game.
Mikel Arteta’s men will overtake Man City and regain top position if they beat Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
