Pep Guardiola left Erling Haaland out of Manchester City’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Newcastle, sparking considerable debate about the Norwegian star’s condition.
Haaland missed City’s game against Leeds last week, then returned against Nottingham Forest last Wednesday, and now he has been left out of Guardiola’s plans for the Newcastle match.
Haaland’s absence comes just three days before the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to English media reports from St. James’ Park, Guardiola confirmed that Haaland is not injured and that his absence was simply to rest him.
Guardiola added that the goal of resting Haaland against Newcastle is to ensure he is fully fit for the Real Madrid match.
It is worth noting that Haaland, 25, has scored 29 goals and provided 7 assists in 39 matches across all competitions this season.
