Erling Haaland has given Manchester City an injury concern ahead of the new season after he was replaced at half-time in their pre-season friendly against Barcelona. The Norwegians started all three of City’s matches on their summer tour in the USA and have been withdrawn from previous games. However, these were not enforced changes like this one.
Speaking after the match, manager Pep Guardiola said: "He got some niggles. He didn't feel good. He is disturbing something, doesn't feel comfortable, and we don't want to take risks. Sooner or later, he has to take a step. He has niggles, muscular issues, and we don't want to take a risk and lose him for three weeks. That would be a problem – 60, 70% of the squad are on holiday."
Despite the setback, Guardiola remains confident in the young players who have stepped up during the USA tour. "At the same time, we have alternatives. Oscar [Bobb] does an incredible job. We're pleased with many things," he added.
City twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Barcelona in Orlando, before the Spanish side went on to win a penalty shootout. Jack Grealish was on the scoresheet in Florida, as was teenager Nico O’Reilly, who impressed Guardiola during pre-season.
"He [O'Reilly] was injured, he had a long injury last season,” Guardiola said. “He comes back, in the middle of last season he trains with us, and I said 'Wow, this guy is big.’ Normally, all the academy players are little Oscar Bobbs. He is good in the header, and so strong in the duels. In attacking midfield, you will see him arrive in the positions – holding midfielder, attacking midfielder. From the academy, we are blessed to have these players.”
With many of City’s first-team players currently on a break following international duty, youngsters like O’Reilly and Bobb have been allowed to shine in the States. Whether they will be included in Guardiola’s side when their Premier League title defense begins against Chelsea on August 18 remains to be seen. "They have to compete with the other guys, the young players push the older guys,” Guardiola said. "They are hungry, starving. They want to be football players and show they are there.”
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