Man City dealt Erling Haaland injury concern ahead of new season

Erling Haaland has handed Manchester City an injury concern ahead of the new season, with Pep Guardiola confirming he has minor muscular problems that forced him to be replaced at half time vs Barcelona.

Haaland has started all three friendlies in the USA, scoring in the first two and seeing a third goal not given against Barcelona on Tuesday despite replays showing his effort crossed the line. However, he was replaced at the break again, with Guardiola saying the Milan change was pre-planned.

But against Barcelona, the substitution was forced after Haaland reported muscular problems, with the City chief confirming he replaced the striker as a precaution so he doesn't miss the start of the season.

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"He got some niggles. He didn't feel good," Guardiola said. "He is disturbing something, doesn't feel comfortable, we don't want to take risks.

"Sooner or later he has to take a step. He has niggles, muscular, don't want to take a risk and lose him for three weeks. That would be a problem. 60, 70 per cent of the squad are on holiday.

"At the same time, we have alternatives, Oscar [Bobb] makes an incredible job. We're pleased with many things."

Guardiola also reserved praise for youngster Nico O'Reilly, who scored on his third start of the tour and will be a 'proper player' according to the manager.

"He was injured, he had a long injury last season," said the City chief of the midfielder. He comes back, in middle of last season he trains with us, and I said 'Wow, this guy is big.'

"Normally all the academy players are little Oscar Bobb's. He is good in the