Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland experienced a minor problem that prompted a half-time substitution; the striker will be evaluated before the FA Cup tie with Salford while John Stones remains under consideration after returning to training.
Pep Guardiola played down worries about Erling Haaland ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup fourth-round trip to Salford City, describing the striker’s issue as minor and purely precautionary. Haaland was substituted at half-time in City’s last match after feeling some discomfort; medical staff recommended the change to avoid aggravating a small problem and protect his availability for the busy weeks ahead.
Guardiola said Haaland isn’t fully fit but that the concern isn’t serious. The forward will undergo further checks before the Salford game, with the club prioritising measured decisions over last-ditch gambles as fixtures pile up.
Stones back in contention, minutes to be managed
John Stones has returned to the matchday squad after recovering from a persistent thigh complaint and has completed several training sessions.
Guardiola confirmed Stones will be assessed again in the build-up to the cup tie and that the coaching, medical and performance teams will decide whether he starts or comes off the bench—along with a tailored plan for gradually rebuilding his minutes.
That measured reintegration reflects a broader shift in elite football: teams are increasingly treating player workload as a controllable variable. Sports-science research suggests early intervention and carefully managed minutes cut the risk of recurrence and help keep players available across a congested calendar.
Why City are rotating
With league and cup commitments compressing the schedule, Guardiola has leaned on rotation to protect the squad’s long-term effectiveness. Substitutions and squad changes are being used as pragmatic tools—guided by medical advice and monitoring data—to balance immediate match needs with the aim of keeping key players fit for the season’s decisive stages.
Guardiola singled out Bernardo Silva for praise, noting his leadership in training and matches, and reiterated that the club will treat each competition seriously while managing resources sensibly.
Salford preview and context
Salford City, who play in League Two, represent a classic FA Cup test: different levels on paper but no guarantee on the pitch. Guardiola warned against complacency and stressed that last season’s result means nothing now; the objective is straightforward—progress to the next round without exposing players to unnecessary risk.
Practical, evidence-led approach
Across his comments runs a single theme: use the full support of medical, performance and coaching staff to make informed choices. That means monitoring recovery markers, adjusting minutes game by game, and prioritising availability across competitions rather than chasing short-term gains that could prove costly.
In short, Haaland’s withdrawal was a precautionary move, Stones is back in the squad and will be eased back into action, and City will approach the Salford tie with a blend of respect for the opponent and careful squad management designed to keep them competitive on multiple fronts.
