The Norwegian striker was not included in the friendly victory over Club America because no risks were taken with his fitness.
Erling Haaland has yet to make his Manchester City debut following his £51 million ($61 million) transfer from Borussia Dortmund, with Pep Guardiola revealing that “niggles and a few problems” are keeping him out for the time being.
The Premier League champions will not take any chances with the Norwegian striker’s fitness as they prepare for the 2022-23 season.
The 22-year-old frontman is being eased into the fold, and after struggling with injuries at times last season, he will have to wait until Saturday’s friendly against Bayern Munich in Green Bay before potentially making his debut for a new team.
- Mahrez is looking forward to Manchester City’s preseason games against Club America and Bayern Munich.
- When will Erling Haaland make his debut for Man City? For the £51 million striker, pre-season and Premier League debuts are on the cards.
When will Erling Haaland make his Man City debut?
Explaining why Haaland did not play in the 2-1 victory over Club America in Texas, Guardiola told reporters: “Next game, Erling will be ready. He’s had niggles and a few problems. We’ll see. He’s trained just two sessions and didn’t want to take risks. The season is so long.”
Erling Haaland is in the lab 🧪 pic.twitter.com/op05tTGGQn
— GOAL (@goal) July 17, 2022
Will Manchester City make any more signings?
Haaland has been joined at Man City this summer by England international midfielder Kalvin Phillips, with more big money being invested.
There have also been departures from Etihad Stadium, with versatile Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko the latest as he prepares to complete a £30m ($36m) move to Arsenal.
Left back cover for him is being sought, with Guardiola admitting there could be movement amid links to Brighton defender Marc Cucurella.
The Catalan coach said: “The club decide what they have to do – and I follow the club. The club decides the signings. We miss an important player in the locker room with Aleks, really really important. We are trying but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.
“If it doesn’t happen we have alternatives with Joao Cancelo. Josh is a young young talent and Nathan Ake can play there. We will see what happens. We cannot forget Josh [Wilson-Esbrand].”
