Pep Guardiola: Haaland Injury Not a Big Issue for Man City

Pep Guardiola confident Erling Haaland's injury isn't serious.

Pep Guardiola remains optimistic about Erling Haaland's minor injury, insisting it won't be a “big issue” despite the Manchester City striker's absence from their crucial 1-0 Premier League victory over Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday.

“We are the only English club that has been every year in the Champions League for 10 or 11 years.. ”

Pep Guardiola is confident Erling Haaland's injury isn't a major concern after the Manchester City striker missed Saturday's 1-0 win against Leeds. Haaland was a surprise absence from the City lineup at Elland Road due to a minor knock suffered in training on Thursday.

Three important points on the road 💪

⚪️ 0-1 🖤 @okx pic.twitter.com/mUBqeKjZCz

— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 28, 2026

Pep Guardiola stated, “Two days ago in training, he had some problems and a little injury. Not a big issue but not ready for today.” The City manager also mentioned, “I don't know when he'll be back. I wish he comes back.”

City coped without Haaland as Antoine Semenyo's first-half goal sealed their fourth successive Premier League victory.

Guardiola's men are just two points behind leaders Arsenal, who host Chelsea on Sunday, as the title race heats up.

Losing the prolific Haaland for a prolonged period would be a hammer blow for City, but Guardiola does not believe the Norway star will be out for long.

“We don't have spies in the training centre to deliver the info to our media. I think it is not a big issue. We will see,” he said.

Asked when Haaland will be back, Guardiola added: “I don't know. I wish he comes back.”

City's stats show they're stronger without Haaland, but it was a tough one against Leeds. They dug deep to win at Elland Road.

“The reaction was amazing, unbelievable with the goal we scored. Complete game, in a tough, tough place and 10 games left in the Premier league. Time to be decisive,” Guardiola said.

Semenyo scored from close range after a slick move involving Cherki and Ait-Nouri. All three joined City under Guardiola in the last 18 months.

“Now we are building these players and they have a long, long time here. It is important for the future for the club,” Guardiola said.

“Cherki, for me, is the best game. Solidity and aggressive with the ball. All of them were really good, commitment and they stick with the game-plan. Now, in that part of the season - how is the mindset?

“Once again the guys make an extraordinary effort because otherwise it is not possible.

“After nine months, everyone knows what they want to do.”

Pep Guardiola avoided commenting on City's title chances, but they're in control. 10 wins from 10 games means the trophy's theirs if they keep winning, regardless of Arsenal's results. 

“Huge victory to still be there. One game at a time. Recovery, there are many games, people are tired. Every game is really tough. The Premier League is better than ever,“ Guardiola said.

Cherki 🤝 Ait-Nouri 🤝 Semenyo pic.twitter.com/L6KbSL1Z0s

— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 28, 2026

“To qualify for the Champions League is the main target for the club because for the last 10 years we have been there.

“We are the only English club that has been every year in the Champions League for 10 or 11 years.”