Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted he is unsure when Erling Haaland will return after the striker missed Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win at Leeds United due to an unspecified training injury. The 25-year-old, who has scored 29 goals in all competitions this season, was sidelined for the tense match at Elland Road.
Guardiola did not provide a clear timeline for Haaland's recovery, though the Press Association understands the issue is not a major concern. The Norway international will be assessed on Monday and Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's home fixture against Nottingham Forest. 'I don't have an answer right now,' Guardiola said. 'He was not ready for today but we have four days before Nottingham Forest.'
Guardiola also took a swipe at the scheduling for next Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie at Newcastle United, which kicks off at 8pm. 'Thank you so much for that time, to go better to Madrid with less recovery, thank you,' he added, referencing City's Champions League commitments. Teenager Nico O'Reilly, who was withdrawn after 70 minutes at Leeds with an ankle injury, will also be assessed.
Antoine Semenyo's goal proved decisive at Elland Road, his sixth in 11 appearances since joining from Bournemouth in January. City's win moved them within touching distance of the Premier League summit, with Arsenal hosting Chelsea on Sunday. 'We had incredible focus in all departments,' Guardiola said. 'We didn't create much, but we didn't concede anything. It's a huge victory for us.'
Leeds remain six points above the relegation zone but saw manager Daniel Farke sent off after the final whistle for confronting referee Peter Bankes.
