Guardiola reveals Haaland 'is not comfortable' with minor muscle issue

Pep Guardiola is managing Erling Haaland’s minutes as Manchester City worry about their star striker’s fitness ahead of the new season.

Haaland has been substituted at half time of their last two friendlies against AC Milan and Barcelona while others have been given longer run outs.

City face Manchester United in the Community Shield a week on Saturday before kicking off their Premier League defence at Chelsea.

‘Erling is not comfortable,’ Guardiola said. ‘We don't want to take risks. But sooner or later he has to take a step with training and minutes.

‘The season is there, around the corner. He has niggles, muscular, we don't want to take a risk and lose him for three weeks or a month. That would be a problem.’

Haaland thought he’d scored during the 2-2 draw with Barca only for the linesman to insist the Norwegian’s effort had not crossed the line.

The move was manufactured by the impressive Oscar Bobb, who could be an option through the middle if Haaland was to be missing for a period of time. Julian Alvarez, who is debating his future, is away at the Olympics with Argentina.

‘He didn't feel good and that's why he didn't play the second half,’ Guardiola added.

‘Sixty-seventy per cent of the squad are on holiday. That's why we need the players. At the same time, we have alternatives, Oscar makes an incredible job again. We're pleased with many things.’