After the striker Erling Haaland was taken out of the game during the latter stages of Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle United, Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the situation regarding Haaland.
Omar Marmoush, who had signed with the Citizens in January, made his debut at the Etihad Stadium with a hat trick that lasted for fourteen minutes. James McAtee then added a fourth goal in the final minutes of the match, bringing the Citizens back to winning ways.
Marmoush, who had only recently moved to Manchester from Eintracht Frankfurt in a transfer worth £59 million, became the topic of conversation after he scored the fourth-fastest hat-trick in the history of the club’s Premier League competition.
However, despite his efforts, City’s most recent victory was marred by an obvious knee injury sustained by Erling Haaland, which made the game less impressive.
The scene was described by Paul Merson, who was watching the match for Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday. Merson stated that Pep Guardiola had “his head in his hands” when the Norwegian was replaced in the 88th minute of the match.
Merson, a former midfielder for Arsenal, stated that it appeared as though Haaland’s knee had given way, and that it had a jarring effect. While he was shaking his head, Pep Guardiola placed his head in his hands. He did not appear to be in a comfortable position.
I have a feeling that he has left, and it is clear that he is fine. ACL is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about it, and it appeared to be a major cause for concern.
However, he appears to be in good health, thank God,” Merson continued. His appearance is fine. In the beginning, it appeared to be a very concerning thing to do. I am very concerned. It is my hope that he will be fine by Wednesday evening as well.
Soon after, Sam Lee of The Athletic shared a reassuring video of Haaland expressing his gratitude to the home crowd after the final whistle blew. The caption accompanying the video read, “I’ve been asked a lot about Haaland’s injury, but you can judge for yourselves.”
Additionally, in his post-match comments, Guardiola provided a somewhat optimistic update in advance of their Champions League match against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
“When he was down, everyone was scared,” he explained to reporters. “But he got up and walked smiling like always.”
Guardiola continued by saying, “I did not speak to him or the doctors, but the doctors did not come with any disheartening news, so I am hoping that he is perfectly fine.” Is it possible that it is not as bad as it could be?
In addition, Guardiola was questioned regarding his choice to award Haaland with the captain’s armband for the match against Newcastle.
“When Kyle [Walker] left, Kevin [De Bruyne] became the first [captain], then I nominated Erling,” he explained to reporters. “It’s nice for the first time in the Premier League, it’s just a beginning, but it’s a gesture.”
