Pep Guardiola admits he is still waiting for clarity over the fitness of two key players as Manchester City approach a decisive spell across three competitions.
The City manager confirmed he could not provide a definitive timeline for the returns of Erling Haaland and Nico O’Reilly, with crucial fixtures looming in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
Haaland was absent from the weekend’s league victory over Leeds after sustaining an issue in training. O’Reilly, meanwhile, was forced off with around 20 minutes remaining after suffering an ankle problem during the same match.
O’Reilly has grown in influence in recent weeks, adapting impressively to a midfield role and offering both physical presence and attacking output.
His dynamic displays have included a trio of goals against Fulham and Newcastle, underlining his value during a demanding stretch of the campaign.
Guardiola revealed that the youngster attempted to continue after the incident at Elland Road but was eventually unable to do so. The City medical team are now assessing the extent of the damage.
The Spaniard described the problem as an “ankle knock”, though further checks are required before a clearer prognosis can be delivered. With matches arriving in quick succession, the timing is far from ideal.
Haaland’s situation is slightly different. The Norway international sustained what was initially labelled a minor issue in training on Thursday. However, it was considered significant enough to rule him out of the trip to Yorkshire.
City hope the striker could return in time for Wednesday’s home encounter with Nottingham Forest as they continue their pursuit of Arsenal at the summit of the table. Yet with knockout ties on the horizon, Guardiola must weigh risk against reward.
Guardiola questions scheduling ahead of Madrid trip
Beyond the injury worries, Guardiola also voiced frustration at the fixture calendar, particularly with an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Newcastle sandwiched between league action and a Champions League last-16 clash in Madrid.
City face Newcastle on Saturday evening before travelling to Spain for Tuesday’s European showdown. The tight turnaround has not gone unnoticed by the manager.
“I don’t have an answer right now [on Haaland’s injury],” he said on Saturday evening. “He was not ready for today, but we have four days before Nottingham Forest and after three days in FA Cup in Newcastle at 8pm. Thank you so much for that time to go better to Madrid with less recovery. Thank you.”
- Sergio Aguero tells Man City to sign ‘World-Class’ Barcelona star who will fit their system
- “Take a bow”, “Absolute man mountain” – Man City fans explode online after one player’s dominant masterclass
Guardiola suggested that even small scheduling details can influence performance at the highest level, particularly when recovery time is compromised.
“It’s different arriving at 7-8pm to Manchester to recover than arriving at 1-2am. It’s different. For Newcastle it’s different, when you come from Carabao Cup in the Champions League, play at 3pm or play at 8pm. It’s different. So it’s where it is.
“I know all the teams in the FA Cup play at 3pm, at 3pm, at 3pm. OK, we play at 8pm. Fatigue, you know, the details make a difference. Like a corner, like a free-kick, like a throw-in, like details. We have less. And after that, arriving on time, you have to travel again [to Madrid]. So we have to go there. It is what it is.”
The coming week could shape City’s ambitions on multiple fronts. Maintaining momentum in the league title race, progressing in the FA Cup and securing a positive result in Europe will require depth, resilience and, ideally, a clean bill of health.
