Erling Haaland is expected to be available for Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid despite missing Saturday’s FA Cup win over Newcastle United.
The striker was absent from Pep Guardiola’s squad during City’s 3–1 fifth-round victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Haaland has been dealing with a minor issue in recent weeks, which led to his omission from the matchday squad.
In his absence, Omar Marmoush stepped up with an impressive performance. The forward scored twice after Savinho opened the scoring in the first half as Manchester City progressed in the competition.
Haaland’s absence raised concerns because he had played the full 90 minutes in Manchester City’s 2–2 Premier League draw with Nottingham Forest earlier in the week.
Erling Haaland expected to be fit for Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid
According to the Manchester Evening News, Haaland’s omission from the FA Cup fixture was not due to a serious injury concern. The report states that he is expected to be available for Manchester City’s upcoming Champions League tie with Real Madrid.
The Norwegian striker has been dealing with a slight ankle knock in recent weeks. However, Guardiola had already planned to rest him during the FA Cup match at St James’ Park.
That decision also came at a time when Marmoush had been particularly effective against Newcastle United. The Egyptian forward now has seven goals and one assist in five matches against the Magpies.
Omar Marmoush record against Newcastle United eased Manchester City concerns
Marmoush’s record against Newcastle United played a role in Guardiola’s decision to rest Haaland for the FA Cup tie.
However, the forward has struggled to produce the same impact in Europe this season. Marmoush has yet to register a direct goal involvement in six Champions League appearances.
Haaland, in contrast, has already scored seven goals in European competition during the 2025–26 season.
Erling Haaland strong record in Manchester City matches against Real Madrid
Haaland has registered 29 goals and seven assists in 39 appearances for Manchester City across all competitions this season.
If he is fit for the Champions League fixture, the match will mark his seventh appearance against Real Madrid for Manchester City.
The striker did not score in his first four meetings with the Spanish club in the Champions League. However, he has found the net three times in his last two matches against them.
Haaland scored twice in the first leg of last season’s play-off meeting with Real Madrid, although Manchester City lost that game 3–2. He was later an unused substitute during the second-leg defeat that saw City eliminated from the competition.
Earlier this season, Haaland also played a decisive role against Real Madrid by winning and converting a penalty in a 2–1 victory at the Bernabeu.
Pep Guardiola set for domestic suspension despite travelling to Madrid
Haaland is expected to travel to Madrid alongside Guardiola for the Champions League fixture.
However, the Manchester City head coach will serve a two-match suspension in domestic competitions following the yellow card he received during the FA Cup match against Newcastle United.
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