Erling Haaland's fitness problems cause worry for Manchester City fans in October 2025

Erling Haaland missed two games for Manchester City in September and October 2025 due to fitness problems. This is more than his usual missed games.
By Newsroom | Football, Manchester |

The availability of Erling Haaland, Manchester City's prolific striker, has become a focal point due to recurring fitness concerns. This report examines the information available regarding his health status and the implications for the team.

Man City get Erling Haaland boost as Pep Guardiola issues three-man injury update - 1

Haaland's Health Concerns Emerge

Recent reports indicate a pattern of fitness issues affecting Erling Haaland.

Man City get Erling Haaland boost as Pep Guardiola issues three-man injury update - 2

  • He was substituted at halftime during a 3-0 win over Fulham due to feeling "uncomfortable." Manager Pep Guardiola stated at the time, "I don't know exactly what he has." (Article 2)

  • Haaland missed a Carabao Cup victory against Swansea City after sustaining a knock during a prior defeat to Aston Villa. (Article 3)

  • Following a match on September 21, Haaland was reportedly still being assessed for fitness concerns after a "demanding week" for the squad. (Article 5)

  • The striker was reportedly overlooked for the squad against Swansea after picking up a knock in the Aston Villa game. (Article 4)

Manager's Statements on Haaland's Condition

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has provided periodic updates on Haaland's fitness.

Man City get Erling Haaland boost as Pep Guardiola issues three-man injury update - 3

  • Regarding Haaland's availability for a Premier League match against Bournemouth, Guardiola's response was: "I hope so." (Article 3)

  • After the Fulham match, where Haaland was withdrawn, Guardiola noted, "I don't know exactly what he has." (Article 2)

  • In relation to a match on September 24, Guardiola expressed hope: "Hopefully he can play at the weekend. I think he will be fine for the weekend." (Article 5)

Impact on Manchester City's Performance

Haaland's absence or reduced capacity due to injury has highlighted his importance to the team.

Man City get Erling Haaland boost as Pep Guardiola issues three-man injury update - 4

  • His influence on City’s frontline has been suffocating this season. (Article 3)

  • No other City player has managed more than a single goal in the Premier League and Champions League this season, emphasizing the team's dependence on Haaland. (Articles 3, 4)

  • In Haaland's absence against Swansea, forward Omar Marmoush played the striker position. (Article 4)

Team's Overall Schedule and Player Welfare

The demanding schedule of matches has been cited as a factor impacting player fitness.

  • Following a match on September 21, Bernardo Silva voiced complaints about the schedule, mentioning a "disadvantage in terms of rest." (Article 5)

  • Guardiola has highlighted the "demanding week" the squad endured with "several games across competitions." (Article 5)

Expert and Managerial Perspectives on Player Development

While addressing Haaland's immediate fitness, Guardiola also commented on his potential.

  • Guardiola stated that once Haaland improves a certain aspect of his game, "he will be a top player," noting he is still young at "21/22 years old." (Article 1)

  • The manager's approach to Haaland's selection is straightforward: "when he is fit, he starts." (Article 3)

Summary of Key Updates

The available information suggests that Erling Haaland has experienced at least two instances of being substituted or absent from matches due to fitness concerns in the period covered by the reports.

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  • Fulham Match: Substituted at halftime due to discomfort. (Article 2)

  • Swansea Match: Missed the game after sustaining a knock against Aston Villa. (Articles 3, 4)

  • Guardiola's Statements: Expressed uncertainty ("I don't know exactly what he has"), hope ("I hope so," "Hopefully he can play"), and confidence ("I think he will be fine") regarding Haaland's return at different times.

Conclusion

The data indicates Erling Haaland has faced periods of discomfort and injury, leading to his absence from or early withdrawal from matches. Manager Pep Guardiola's comments reflect both uncertainty about the immediate severity of these issues and a degree of optimism for his return. The team's performance appears significantly linked to Haaland's presence on the field, with a notable lack of alternative goal-scoring threats from other players in key competitions. The demanding fixture list has also been noted by players and the manager as a potential contributing factor to player fatigue and injury risk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Erling Haaland substituted during the Manchester City vs Fulham game on October 30, 2025?
Erling Haaland was taken out at halftime during the 3-0 win against Fulham because he felt uncomfortable. Manager Pep Guardiola was unsure about the exact reason for his discomfort after the match.
Q: Did Erling Haaland play in the Carabao Cup match against Swansea City in September 2025?
No, Erling Haaland did not play in the Carabao Cup game against Swansea City. He had a knock from the Aston Villa game and was still being checked by the team doctors.
Q: What did Pep Guardiola say about Erling Haaland's fitness in September and October 2025?
Pep Guardiola gave mixed updates. He said he 'hoped' Haaland would play, admitted he didn't know the exact problem after the Fulham game, but later expressed confidence that Haaland would be fine for weekend matches.
Q: How do Erling Haaland's fitness issues affect Manchester City's performance in September 2025?
Haaland's absence or reduced fitness is a big problem for Manchester City. No other player on the team has scored as many goals as him in the Premier League and Champions League this season, showing how much the team depends on him.
Q: Is the demanding schedule causing Erling Haaland's fitness problems in September 2025?
Yes, the tough schedule with many games in a short time is seen as a reason for player fatigue and injuries. Both players like Bernardo Silva and manager Pep Guardiola have mentioned the demanding week and the disadvantage in terms of rest.