Erling Haaland isn’t in the squad for Manchester City’s crucial Premier League showdown with Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday night.
The Norway international, who has scored 29 goals from 38 matches across all competitions this term, has been replaced by Rayan Cherki in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI.
Haaland had previously been expected to feature in the contest.
City go into the game knowing victory would see them move to within three points of Arsenal at the top of the table, albeit having played one game more.
With Haaland missing out, it’s emerged that the 25-year-old has picked up a ‘minor’ injury in training, meaning that he shouldn’t be sidelined for too long.
That will come as a relief to fans of the club, especially while they continue to compete on all four fronts.
City have gone with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Rayan Ait-Nouri forming a back four.
Erling Haaland has continued to deliver the goods for Manchester City this season
| GETTYIn midfield, Cherki, Rodri and Bernardo Silva will attempt to dictate and orchestrate play.
And, up top, Nico O’Reilly, Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo all start.
Speaking before the match, meanwhile, Guardiola insisted his players were ready for the atmosphere Elland Road crowd as they look to continue their title tilt.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS“Elland Road is Elland Road and Daniel made [good] last results,” the Spaniard said at his pre-match press conference.
“They went to Stamford Bridge (Chelsea) and Villa Park (Aston Villa) and got [good] results. They have even the boost of the home crowd, but we’re ready for this challenge again.
“In 10 years I’ve not been to Elland Road many times. Since Marcelo Bielsa promoted them to the Premier League we’ve been there and it’s an incredible stadium with a good vibe. We know it.
“I think there are a lot of Premier League stadiums that are traditional and really good, Elland Road is one of them.”
Guardiola also opened up on his decision to give his player some time off prior to the clash.
Rayan Cherki replaces Erling Haaland for Man City’s Premier League clash with Leeds
| REUTERS“You know the idea, it’s not to go to the Maldives,” added the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona coach.
“Since September, October they didn’t have long weeks so the moment you can have it, I learned in this country less is more.
“When you can train less because of the schedule, you have to clean the mind and legs to come back better. If we win, it’ll have been perfect, if not we have to play every three days.
“We’ve had our rest. We’ve made really good training sessions and we’re ready for Elland Road.”