Pep Guardiola confirms double Man City injury blow as Erling Haaland substitution explained

Evening Standard

·23 October 2024

Pep Guardiola confirms double Man City injury blow as Erling Haaland substitution explained

Champions League favourites thrash Sparta Prague 5-0

Pep Guardiola has confirmed both Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku are set for spells on the sidelines as Manchester City’s injury list mounts up.

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Speaking before his side’s 5-0 Champions League win against Sparta Prague, the City boss said he was unsure how long both players would be out for, but that “hopefully Jack will be maybe one week, 10 days, Jeremy a little longer.”

Neither player were part of the squad for the visit of the Czech champions, nor were Kevin De Bruyne or Kyle Walker, who may be doubtful for the Premier League clash with Southampton on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.

Coupled with the long-term absences of Rodri and Oscar Bobb, it meant Guardiola could not fill a full bench on Wednesday night. However it mattered little as his side broke the record for most Champions League games unbeaten with a 26th consecutive game without defeat.

Erling Haaland has had a big role in that run, and again was the star against Sparta, scoring twice including a brilliant acrobatic finish. The City striker was subbed off while chasing a hat-trick and did not seem pleased, but Guardiola said it was not an issue.

Erling Haaland opend the scoring for Man City with a brilliant backheel

AFP via Getty Images

"We play a lot of games and I had to do this. He understands the decisions and is so generous with the team."

City currently sit third in the Champions League table behind Aston Villa and Liverpool, and look well placed for a top eight finish and automatic qualification for the round of 16.