Explained: Why Erling Haaland was left out of Man City squad

Manchester City supporters were met with a surprise on Saturday afternoon as the team sheets for their FA Cup fifth-round clash against Newcastle United were released. Absent from the matchday squad entirely was Erling Haaland, who has now missed two of the last three matches for the Blues, prompting concern ahead of a pivotal run of fixtures.

His omission follows a lingering ankle knock picked up in training last week that kept him out of the victory over Leeds, despite a brief and laboured return during the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in midweek. With a Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Real Madrid next Wednesday, the decision underlines careful management of his condition.

There has not been a fresh injury setback. Pep Guardiola has taken a cautious approach to preserve Haaland’s long-term sharpness for the Madrid clash, saying the focus is on him training well ahead of Wednesday rather than sitting on the bench in Newcastle.

England, Manchester

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