Man City and Erling Haaland encounter injury concern following substitution at half-time.

MANCHESTER, England — Erling Haaland has caused concern for Manchester City regarding an injury after Pep Guardiola disclosed that the striker requested to be taken off during the 3-0 victory against Fulham.

Haaland netted City’s third goal, marking his first Premier League goal from open play in 2026.

However, following a significant challenge from Fulham defender Joachim Anderson in the lead-up to City’s second goal, the Norwegian did not return after the interval.

Guardiola attributed the issue to “niggles” and noted that it was Haaland’s choice to leave the pitch.

“[He had] some problems, he feels uncomfortable, it was 3-0, of course,” Guardiola stated.

“I haven’t spoken with the medical staff, so I don’t know precisely what he has. Just fatigue or something.

“He mentioned ‘I don’t feel comfortable’ and with a score of 3-0, with many matches ahead, having Omar [Marmoush] — common sense.”

When asked about the nature of the problem, Guardiola suggested that Haaland is finding it challenging to manage the number of games after beginning his season at the FIFA Club World Cup in June.

The City manager referenced Marc Cucurella while discussing Haaland, as the Chelsea defender — part of the squad that won the Club World Cup — sustained an injury during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United on Tuesday.

“The reason why? Many games,” Guardiola remarked. “Cucurella is injured, right? You understand the reason why, right?”