Erling Haaland injury update as Man City star picks up new problem | Football | Sport

Pep Guardiola is awaiting further assessment of Erling Haaland’s fitness concerns after substituting the Manchester City striker at half-time during their win over Fulham. The 25-year-old found the net as City surged to a commanding 3-0 advantage on Wednesday, effectively settling the match before half-time. Upon reaching the dressing room, the Norwegian informed City’s medical team that he was feeling ‘uncomfortable’.

Unwilling to gamble on Haaland’s condition, Guardiola opted to bring on Omar Marmoush for the second period. City comfortably secured their emphatic victory, closing the gap to Premier League pacesetters Arsenal to just three points, though the Gunners hold a match in hand. The result also marked a third consecutive triumph for Guardiola’s men following a challenging January spell. When questioned about Haaland’s substitution, the City boss explained: “Niggles, some problems. He didn’t feel comfortable. It was 3-0, of course. The reason why? Many games. (Marc) Cucurella is injured, right?

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“For Chelsea, he’s injured. You know the reason why, right? I didn’t speak with the doctors. I don’t know exactly what he has. He was just struggling, fatigue or something, I don’t know. He said he didn’t feel comfortable, it was 3-0. Common sense.”

Guardiola expressed his satisfaction with City’s performance, as they stretched their remarkable winning streak against Fulham at home to 20 matches. “A really good performance; one of the best of this season,” he praised. “After important, emotional games like Anfield, the next one is always tricky.”

Fulham manager Marco Silva lamented his side’s showing, stating: “We know normally in these types of games we have to be clinical. It was too easy for them to score the goals.

“At 1-0, we had a big chance and to equalise probably a different game. We have to be at our best level in these types of games and we weren’t and that is why we lost the game.”

Attention now shifts to the FA Cup fourth round for both sides. City welcome League Two outfit Salford on Saturday, whilst Fulham travel to Championship side Stoke on Sunday.

Premier League duties then resume. City entertain Newcastle, while Fulham – who have now suffered defeat in four of their previous five fixtures – make the trip to Sunderland.