Why Erling Haaland did not play in the FA cup semi-final against Chelsea?

Why Erling Haaland did not play?

Manchester City ace Erling Haaland was left out of their matchday squad for the FA Cup semi-finals against Chelsea on Saturday. He is apparently nursing an injury, sustained during their Champions League encounter with Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Haaland came off in the 90th minute of the quarter-final second leg with Pep Guardiola later revealing that the striker himself had asked to come off after feeling some discomfort in his muscle. He missed the extra-time and the subsequent penalty shootout as City lost 4-3 and crashed out of the competition.

Now, the Norwegian is set to miss their all-important FA Cup semi-finals with Chelsea altogether, as Haaland hasn’t been included in their squad for tonight’s encounter. It is a huge blow for City, who are looking to reach the finals for the second year in a row and defend their title.

Argentine international Julian Alvarez could start as their striker on the night.

City looking to beat Chelsea in the third attempt

Manchester City and Chelsea have already clashed twice this season, in the Premier League, and on both occasions, the sides played out a draw. A pulsating 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge was followed by a 1-1 stalemate at the Etihad. Now in the cup, there has to be a winner. In case of another draw, the match will go into penalty shootouts, which neither side is a stranger to.

Also Read: Manchester City Trio Request Substitutions in Real Madrid Defeat, Confirms Guardiola