Haaland sparks injury concerns ahead of Real Madrid

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 14 May 2023 16:40 BST
• 3 min read

Erling Haaland has sparked injury concerns after he asked Pep Guardiola to substitute him during Manchester City’s match against Everton on Sunday.

Haaland came over to Pep Guardiola on the touchline with just under 15 minutes to go and requested to be subbed.

Guardiola nodded in agreement before taking Haaland off at the next break in play on 78 minutes, with Jack Grealish taking his place.

Erling Haaland at Man City: Goals, assists, results & fixtures in 2022-23

It is not clear yet whether Haaland was simply requesting a rest given the game was already over in footballing terms at that point, or whether Haaland was carrying an injury.

This has sparked concern for City fans just three days ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Etihad.

City host Madrid with the tie delicately poised 1-1 from the first leg in Madrid.

36 @premierleague goals for @ErlingHaaland! ✊

🔵 0-2 🐝 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/ILVrDvzeFg

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 14, 2023

Losing Haaland would be a big blow

Losing Haaland would be a huge blow, with the Norwegian scoring his 52nd goal of the season in all competitions on Sunday in a 3-0 win at Goodison Park.

Haaland completed a €60 million transfer to Man City from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

The 23-year-old has been a sensation, helping City to the brink of a continental treble.

City are red hot favourites to win another Premier League title, while they are in the FA Cup final too.

If they overcome Madrid on Wednesday they will play Inter or Milan in the final of the Champions League next month.