Pep Guardiola has delivered an update on the fitness of striker Erling Haaland after Manchester City's dominant 4-0 victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Haaland was handed his 25th consecutive start in the Premier League and was surprisingly named Man City captain for the first time in a competitive match, although the 19-goal striker was unable to add to his top-flight tally against the Magpies, as the Citizens collected three valuable points to climb back into the top four.
Indeed, it was his attacking partner and new signing Omar Marmoush who stole the headlines with a superb first-half hat-trick, with all three goals scored within just 14 minutes.
James McAtee then added a fourth six minutes from time when he volleyed home from close range after pouncing on a flicked header from Haaland, who then went down grimacing and clutching his right knee just a couple of minutes later before being replaced.
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson was watching the match for Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday and feared at the time that Haaland could have sustained a serious injury, and the fact that it was suffered during a non-contact situation raised concerns.
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"He's just got up and he's walking off the pitch but he was going to close someone down. As he goes to close someone down it seemed like his knee gave way, it sort of jarred," said Merson. "He didn't look comfortable, shaking his head, Pep Guardiola put his head in his hands."
He added: "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 done it, it looked very worrying - very worrying. Hopefully he'll be alright for Wednesday night."
Guardiola issues Haaland update after injury scare
Haaland was fit to walk back onto the pitch at full time to applaud the jubilant Man City crowd, and although Guardiola did not immediate speak with his leading marksman at full time, he is hopeful that the Norwegian's issue is not a serious one.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: "When he was down everyone was scared. He got up, walked smiling like always.
"I didn't speak to him, but the doctors didn't tell me bad news. Hopefully [he will be fine for Real Madrid]."
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Guardiola hopeful Haaland, Dias, Ake will be available for Real Madrid clash
Indeed, Man City are next in action against Spanish giants Real Madrid who welcome the reigning Premier League champions to the Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg of their Champions League playoff tie next Wednesday.
The Citizens currently trail Los Blancos by one goal after suffering a painful 3-2 home defeat in the first leg last Tuesday, a game in which Haaland scored twice to increase his ridiculous UCL goal tally to 49 after just 48 games.
Guardiola will provide a fresh fitness update on Haaland and the rest of his squad during a pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening ahead of City's second leg in the Spanish capital.
Man City were without both Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake for the win against Newcastle; both defenders have struggled with injury issues throughout this season and were 'not ready' to play against the Magpies, but Guardiola is 'hopeful' that they can recover in time to face Real Madrid.
Oliver Thomas
