Pep Guardiola 'scared' by Erling Haaland injury, hopes 'it's not as bad as it could be' before Real Madrid second leg

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Doubt has been cast over Erling Haaland's fitness ahead of Manchester City's UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off second leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Haaland wore the captain's armband for Saturday's visit of Newcastle United to the Etihad, but was forced off in the second half. City trail Real Madrid 3-2 after a first-leg defeat on Tuesday.

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Pep Guardiola has been left sweating on Erling Haaland’s fitness after the Norwegian was forced off injured in Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday.

Haaland was replaced by Matheus Nunes in the 88th minute after picking up a knee injury, and there are fears he could miss the second leg of City's UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off against Real Madrid on Wednesday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

The injury appeared to be to Haaland's right knee as he fell to the ground and received a spell of treatment before walking off the pitch.

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Haaland was named captain for the visit of The Magpies, and has scored 27 goals across all competitions so far this season.

The 24-year-old scored twice - including once from the penalty spot - in the 3-2 first-leg defeat against Carlo Ancelotti's side last Tuesday.

Addressing the potential severity of the injury, Guardiola said: "When he went down, everyone was scared. But he walked off smiling and the doctor didn't tell me bad news, so hopefully, he is fine.

"I have not spoken to the doctor. Maybe it's not as bad as it could be."

Guardiola was also quizzed about his decision to give the Norwegian the armband, citing the forward's new 10-year deal as one reason.

Kyle Walker’s loan move to AC Milan and Kevin De Bruyne’s appearance on the substitutes’ bench served as further factors.

"When Kyle left, Kevin became the first [captain], then I nominated Erling," he explained.

"It's nice for the first time in the Premier League, it's just a beginning, but it's a gesture."

Haaland did not add his name to the scoresheet for the visit of Eddie Howe's side, but provided the assist for James McAtee to score City's fourth goal.

January signing Omar Marmoush stole the headlines with a stunning first-half hat-trick, as City moved up into the top four.

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Real Madrid host City at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, February 19.

Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time on TNT Sports 1, with live coverage beginning at 19:00.

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