Manchester City faced a tough loss to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, with several key players missing due to injuries. However, one noticeable absence was Erling Haaland, who remained on the bench throughout the game. Despite City needing a goal to stay in the match, Haaland was given a rest and did not warm up at any point.
City’s injury crisis was evident from the start, with six senior players already out and Manu Akanji picking up a calf issue during the warm-up. During the game, Savinho had to be taken off on a stretcher, while Josko Gvardiol also received treatment at full-time. This left City with just 11 fit senior outfield options, including Haaland, who did not make an appearance.
Pep Guardiola explained that Haaland was never meant to play in this match, as the plan was to rest him after a demanding game against Southampton. Guardiola emphasized the importance of managing Haaland’s minutes, especially with a busy schedule ahead. Guardiola expressed his frustration with the injury crisis, calling it the worst he has experienced in his nine seasons at the club.
Despite the disappointing result, Guardiola is looking ahead to the next game and the challenges that lie ahead. With limited recovery time and a shortage of players, Guardiola is focused on ensuring that Haaland and the rest of the team are ready for the upcoming fixtures.
Overall, City’s loss to Tottenham highlighted the team’s injury struggles and the importance of managing player fitness during a demanding season. Guardiola’s decision to rest Haaland shows his commitment to prioritizing the long-term success of the team, even in the face of challenging circumstances. As City regroup and prepare for their next match, Guardiola will be looking for solutions to overcome the injury crisis and keep the team competitive in all competitions.
