Erling Haaland: Why Man City Striker Is Absent from Squad to Face Chelsea in FA Cup Semi Final

• Erling Haaland was absent from Manchester City’s squad to face Chelsea on Saturday
• The two sides clash in the FA Cup semi final with the winner set to face Man United or Coventry
• Haaland withdrew early in City’s last game, a Champions League defeat to Real Madrid

Manchester City will have to fight for a spot in the FA Cup final without the services of their top scorer Erling Haaland.

Haaland was a conspicuous absentee from the squad on Saturday, April 20, as Pep Guardiola completely overlooked him for the game, just days after a disappointing Champions League exit.

The Norwegian was substituted after 90 minutes against Real Madrid, with Guardiola later on revealing his striker had asked to come off, despite the possibility of the Champions League tie going to penalties.

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It was revealed later on that Haaland had suffered an injury ahead of the Chelsea game.

Here is how City lined up to face Cheslea in the FA Cup semi final:

GK: Ortega

Defence: Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake

Midfiield: John Stones, Rodri

Attack: Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, Jack Grealish

Striker: Julian Alvarez

Guardiola’s take on Haaland

Speaking to BBC prior to the Chelsea game, Guardiola said:

"He's injured. I don't think it's much but he's not available for today. I don't know [if he will be back for the next game],"

The Spaniard had initially stated his top scorer had a muscular strain which he played with during the Real Madrid game, but the severity of the injury was not specified, according to GOAL.

This is just the latest setback in what has been an injury-plagued season for Haaland.

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The former Borussia Dortmund man missed the first two months of the campaign with a foot problem, but still managed to get 30 goals across all competitions once his season picked up.

It remains to be seen whether he will be available for City’s next game, a Premier League encounter against Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday, April 25.

Man City beat Chelsea without Halaand

When the game got underway, both teams showed attacking intent, with Chelsea guilty of missing some gilt-edged chances.

Man City winger Bernardo Silva ultimately redeemed himself for his penalty miss that knocked his side out of the Champions League by netting an 84th minute winner at Wembley.

Guardiola’s side advanced to the final, where they will meet the winner of Sunday’s clash between Manchester United and Coventry.

Pep Guardiola goes on rant

Sports Brief also reported on Pep Guardiola’s extraordinary rant, just moments after beating Chelsea.

The Spaniard was thoroughly critical of his side’s fixture schedule, as they played in the FA Cup just 72 hours after facing Real Madrid.