Man City injury latest: Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol and more
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Man City Injury Update: Latest on Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic
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Manchester City continue to juggle a demanding fixture list, and Pep Guardiola’s squad management has come into sharp focus. Supporters were briefly concerned when Erling Haaland was missing from the squad that faced Newcastle United in the FA Cup, though City still produced a convincing 3-1 win. Goals from Savinho and a brace from Omar Marmoush ensured Man City progressed comfortably.
While the result offered reassurance, the availability of key players such as Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol remains a major talking point ahead of crucial fixtures, including a Champions League trip to Real Madrid.
Below is the latest Man City injury news and expected return dates.
Erling Haaland fitness update ahead of Real Madrid clash
When Erling Haaland was absent from the FA Cup squad against Newcastle, many immediately feared a setback for Man City’s leading scorer. Guardiola quickly moved to calm those concerns.
The Norwegian striker’s absence was a planned decision rather than a reaction to a fresh injury. Guardiola preferred Haaland to remain in Manchester and focus on training rather than travel for a limited cameo appearance.
“I was not planning to play him,” Guardiola said. “I would prefer [him to have] good training sessions than to travel and play just 10-15 minutes.”
Photo IMAGO
Haaland had already missed the previous weekend’s win against Leeds with a minor knock before returning for the midweek fixture against Nottingham Forest. The current expectation is that Erling Haaland will be available when Man City travel to the Bernabeu for their Champions League round of 16 match.
Real Madrid are set to be without Kylian Mbappe, which could tilt the narrative further towards Guardiola’s side if Haaland leads the line.
Potential return date: March 11 vs Real Madrid (A)
Josko Gvardiol long term injury setback
While Haaland’s absence appears temporary, the situation around Josko Gvardiol is far more serious.
The Croatian defender has been sidelined since suffering a broken leg during a draw with Chelsea earlier in the year. At the time, Gvardiol had been one of the most reliable performers in Guardiola’s defensive structure, making his absence a significant blow for Man City.
Photo: IMAGO
The injury also contributed to a broader defensive crisis during the winter period, forcing Guardiola to rotate heavily and rely on younger squad members.
Despite the severity of the setback, Gvardiol delivered a determined message to supporters through social media.
“This is a hard moment, but it will never define me. I know who I am and where I come from. I’ll fight every day to return stronger. I will rise again, better than ever.”
City expect the defender to spend the remainder of the season in recovery and rehabilitation.
Potential return date: Summer 2026
Mateo Kovacic edging closer to Man City return
Midfielder Mateo Kovacic has endured a frustrating campaign for Man City. An ankle injury suffered during last summer’s Club World Cup has limited him to just 39 competitive minutes all season.
The Croatian international has undergone two surgeries on the affected ankle, which naturally slowed his rehabilitation. There is finally some positive momentum, though.
Guardiola confirmed that Kovacic has returned to training with the first team.
“Finally, he’s back training for the last three or four training sessions,” said Guardiola last week.
“Still, his condition needs time. But the most important after second surgery in his ankle is much better than the first one.
“Maybe he can give us good quality until the end of the season.”
Match sharpness will take time to build, and Guardiola is unlikely to rush him back into the Man City squad. The upcoming international break could also influence whether Kovacic returns before April.
Potential return date: Late March or April
Squad depth helping Man City manage injuries
One of the reasons Man City continue to navigate injury setbacks effectively is the depth within Guardiola’s squad.
Young defender Max Alleyne, recalled from a loan spell at Watford in January, has already made eight appearances. After picking up a knock during the FA Cup win over Salford City on Valentine’s Day, he recently completed a full 90 minutes for the Under 21 side in a Premier League 2 victory against Aston Villa.
That performance suggests he could be in contention for selection again soon, potentially even for the Champions League trip to Madrid.
With Erling Haaland likely returning, Josko Gvardiol continuing his recovery, and Mateo Kovacic stepping up training, Man City are gradually seeing their squad stabilise during a defining stage of the season.