Pep Guardiola provided a key injury update on Erling Haaland after Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday.
Guardiola had his ‘head in his hands’ when Haaland was forced off in the 88th minute against Eddie Howe’s side, according to pundit Paul Merson.
City’s star striker Haaland was seen wincing as he held his right knee with club doctors rushing to his attention following the late off-the-ball incident.
Merson, who was watching the match for Sky Sports, stated that the ‘first thing that comes into your head is ACL’ when Haaland picked up the injury.
Guardiola, though, has played down concerns over Haaland ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid.
‘When he was down, everyone was scared,’ Guardiola said after City’s win over Newcastle. ‘But he got up and walked smiling like always.
‘I didn’t speak to him or the doctors – but the doctors didn’t come with bad news – so hopefully he is fine. Maybe it’s not as bad as it could be.’
Football pundit Merson, who watched it all unfold in real time, said: ‘It seemed like [Haaland’s] knee gave way, it sort of jarred.
‘He didn’t look comfortable, shaking his head, Pep Guardiola put his head in his hands.
‘I think he’s walked off, he’s obviously alright. It looked a major worry, the first thing that comes into your head there is ACL.
‘He looks alright though, thank god. He looks alright. When he first did it, it looked very worrying. Very worrying. Hopefully he’ll be alright for Wednesday night.’
Haaland, who was handed a fresh 10-year contract last month, has conjured up 27 goals across 35 games this season. He registered an assist for James McAtee in the win over Newcastle, with the other three goals coming from January signing Omar Marmoush.
City will be desperate to have Haaland fully fit for the second instalment of their showdown against Real Madrid, with the Premier League champions currently trailing 3-2 after the first leg at the Etihad.
Guardiola has also revealed he’s made Haaland one of his team captains following the departure of Kyle Walker in the January transfer window.
Haaland was handed the armband for the 4-0 win over Newcastle, joining a team of captains which also includes Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Rodri.
‘When Kyle left, Kevin became the first [in line] and I nominated Erling to be a captain,’ Guardiola added.
‘When a player will be 10 years here, sooner or later you take on that responsibility.
‘It’s nice that it’s the first time in the Premier League that it happened.’
