Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is optimistic that star striker Erling Haaland will recover in time for Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Burnley, after being forced off in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal due to a back issue. The update comes after a busy week of fixtures and mounting physical load on City’s squad.
Haaland, 25, had to be substituted after 76 minutes at the Emirates Stadium following sustained discomfort in his back.
According to Guardiola, the Norwegian asked to come off, citing pain, rather than being withdrawn for tactical reasons. “Recovery yesterday, he didn’t train,” Guardiola said at his press conference on Tuesday. “Today I didn’t see him or the rest of the players yet but hopefully he can be ready for the weekend.”
He will definitely miss Manchester City’s Carabao Cup tie against Huddersfield Town, Guardiola confirmed, as the priority for the manager is ensuring that Haaland is properly rested and recovered. “It’s been such a demanding week — the last game especially — and sometimes the players have problems,” he said. “But I think we will be fine next weekend, I hope so.”
This is not the first time Haaland has had to manage his workload across a congested schedule. He has been in fine scoring form this season, netting seven goals in six appearances across all competitions, including one in the draw at Arsenal.
Guardiola’s faith in Haaland’s resilience is high, but he clearly intends to manage his playing time carefully, particularly with a packed fixture list ahead.
City’s recent schedule has been relentless. After clashes with Manchester United and Napoli, the Arsenal game added yet more physical and mental strain.
Guardiola has already indicated his intention to rotate his squad for the Huddersfield game, mixing senior players with academy talent to preserve key players like Haaland and others who are carrying minor knocks.
Haaland has been performing at an elite level, carrying the attacking burden for City, especially as new signings adapt to life at the Etihad.
Manager Guardiola, accustomed to managing star players’ fitness, has in past seasons dealt with availability issues for his forwards; last season he occasionally limited Haaland’s minutes to avoid fatigue and reduce injury risk.
This time around, the concern appears focused on the back strain sustained in the Arsenal match. It is, as Guardiola put it, a “demanding week,” and sometimes even the fittest players accumulate problems under such pressure.
If Haaland is fit for Burnley, it will be a major boost for City. Burnley, though not one of the top-tier opponents, have proved tough in recent years, especially when visiting the Etihad.
City’s margin for error is small in the title race, and facing Burnley with their full complement of attacking threat increases their chances of sustaining momentum. But if Haaland is unavailable, this will be a further test of Guardiola’s squad depth.
Guardiola’s cautious optimism sends a message that while results are important, managing the physical wellbeing of his key players is equally essential. “Hopefully he can play at the weekend,” he said. The ball now rests with Haaland’s recovery, and whether the striker’s back responds favorably to rest and treatment over the next couple of days.