Why Erling Haaland is not in the squad for Man City’s crunch clash against Leeds

Erling Haaland will play no part in Manchester City’s away trip to Leeds this evening.

The Citizens can move within two points of Premier League league leaders Arsenal with victory in the late kick-off at Elland Road, but they will have to do so without their talisman.

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Why isn’t Haaland playing against Leeds?

Haaland has been left out of the City squad altogether for Saturday’s 5:30pm clash.

Announcing the starting XI, the club confirmed that the Norwegian was not fit to take part, but did not reveal a specific injury.

A statement read: “Erling Haaland has been ruled out of this afternoon’s clash with Leeds United.

“Our Norwegian top-scorer is not fully fit for the game at Elland Road and as a result, Rayan Cherki returns to the starting XI.”

The news comes as a huge blow for the Citizens, with Haaland firing in a staggering 22 goals in 27 Premier League games this term.

And the 25-year-old, whose dad Alf-Inge made 92 appearances for the Whites, will be particularly disappointed to miss out having grown up as a Leeds fan.

In his absence, Omar Marmoush will spearhead a free-flowing front three alongside Antoine Semenyo and Cherki.

City have gone with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi forming a back three.

Nico O’Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes will feature just in front as a midfield four.

‘A little injury’

While the nature of Haaland’s injury is unclear, City boss Guardiola has revealed the striker suffered a fitness issue in training.

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And while he did not share a specific return date, the Spaniard was hopeful that his leading goalscorer will be back soon.

He said: “Two days ago in training he had some problems and a little injury. Not a big issue but [he’s] not ready for today.

“We are without one top striker and we are playing with another top striker.”

It remains to be seen if Haaland will be available for City’s next match, a home fixture with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

The Premier League Golden Boot leader has scored an incredible 39 goals in just 36 games for club and country this season across all competitions.

However, he has struggled for form more recently, having netted just once in his last eight matches.

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Haaland will be desperate to return to form and fitness quickly, with City still gunning for glory on all four fronts.

As well as chasing Arsenal in the Premier League title race, Guardiola’s side are also into the Carabao Cup final – where they will face the Gunners – and their hopes are still alive in both the Champions League and FA Cup.