Erling Haaland builds pace for Manchester City trip to Real Madrid
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is intensifying his training to regain pace ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 trip to Real Madrid.
The Norwegian forward was omitted from the squad that secured an FA Cup fifth-round victory at Newcastle United on Saturday.
Manager Pep Guardiola opted to rest his star attacker following a recent knock that also forced him to miss a Premier League win at Leeds United.
Instead of travelling to St James’ Park, the former Borussia Dortmund man spent the weekend focusing on tailored fitness work.
Guardiola prioritises match rhythm
The City boss believes dedicated training sessions are currently more beneficial for the prolific goalscorer than limited match minutes.
“I didn’t think to let him play and I prefer him training to make a rhythm,” said Guardiola.
“After injury, when he drops, he always struggles a little bit to have that real, real pace.”
The Catalan manager heavily rotated his side against Newcastle, leaving crucial figures like Rodri, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva as unused substitutes.
Defensive injury concerns linger
The reigning European champions will travel to the Bernabeu for the first leg of their crucial knockout tie without several defensive options.
Versatile teenager Rico Lewis is nearing a return from a swollen ankle but the midweek clash in Spain arrives too soon.
Guardiola also provided updates on long-term absentees Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol as the business end of the season approaches.
Kovacic returns to training
Croatian midfielder Kovacic has been restricted to just two appearances this campaign due to a persistent ankle issue.
“Great news, finally he’s back training for the last three or four training sessions,” Guardiola added.
However, the manager cautioned that the former Chelsea playmaker still requires time to rebuild his match conditioning.
Fellow international Gvardiol faces a more extended spell in the treatment room after sustaining a broken leg in January.
“There’s a bit longer still,” the City manager admitted regarding the centre-back.
“I hope so [he’ll return] but I don’t know when.”
