Guardiola says Haaland fit for Carabao Cup final after Real Madrid scare

Pep Guardiola moved to calm fears about Erling Haaland after the striker's early withdrawal in Manchester City's Champions League tie with Real Madrid. Haaland was taken off in the 60th minute with more than half an hour remaining as City suffered a disappointing European exit.

Despite the setback in Europe, the club received a timely boost ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. Concerns were raised when Haaland appeared to be shaking his head on the bench after being substituted, but Guardiola dismissed any suggestion of a knock: "Erling Haaland has no injury," he told reporters.

"He will be available against Arsenal in the Cup final." The news will be a relief as the club looks to secure their first piece of silverware in what has been a difficult season. The decision to withdraw Haaland drew criticism from pundits, including Wayne Rooney.

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