Pep Guardiola unsure on Haaland injury return date after Leeds absence

‘I don’t have an answer right now,’ says Pep Guardiola after the Norweigian striker missed Man City’s victory over Leeds SportFootballPep Guardiola unsure on Haaland injury return date after Leeds absence‘I don’t have an answer right now,’ says Pep Guardiola after the Norweigian striker missed Man City’s victory over LeedsAndy Hampson Monday 02 March 2026 09:31 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverRelated: Pep Guardiola: I will always stand up for human beings who are sufferingYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreManchester City are hopeful the injury which sidelined Erling Haaland at the weekend is not serious. The Norway striker missed City’s 1-0 Premier League victory at Leeds on Saturday, having sustained an unspecified problem during training prior to the game.Manager Pep Guardiola did not give a clear indication of when the 25-year-old might return, but the Press Association understands the issue is not a major concern. Haaland, who has scored 29 goals in all competitions this season, will be assessed on Monday and Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium."I don’t have an answer right now," Guardiola said after the game at Elland Road. "He was not ready for today but we have four days before Nottingham Forest and after, three days to the FA Cup at Newcastle at 8pm." He then made a pointed swipe about the kick-off time for next Saturday’s fifth-round tie at St James’ Park."Thank you so much for that time, to go better to Madrid with less recovery, thank you," Guardiola added.Haaland was absent for City’s 1-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday (Getty Images)Nico O’Reilly, who was withdrawn after 70 minutes at Leeds with an ankle injury, will also be checked.City are once again within touching distance of the top of the Premier League after Antoine Semenyo’s goal earned them three points from a tense match at Elland Road.With Erling Haaland missing through injury, Semenyo scored his sixth goal in 11 appearances since joining City from Bournemouth in January, taking advantage of a rare chance in a cagey match.Arsenal host Chelsea on Sunday and Pep Guardiola knows the importance of putting maximum pressure on Mikel Arteta’s men.“We had incredible focus in all departments,” he said. “We didn’t create much, but we didn’t concede anything. It was a little bit more and more uncomfortable (in the closing stages), but we defended really well. It’s a huge victory for us.”Leeds remain six points above the relegation zone but were clearly feeling the pressure themselves, with an angry Daniel Farke sent off after the final whistle after remonstrating with referee Peter Bankes.More aboutErling HaalandPep GuardiolaAntoine SemenyoManchester CityPremier LeagueJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesCommentsMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next