Manchester City are facing an anxious wait over the fitness of Erling Haaland after the prolific striker was ruled out of their narrow Premier League win at Leeds United with a training-ground injury.

Haaland, who has been central to City’s attack with 29 goals in all competitions this season, was withdrawn from contention shortly before the trip to Elland Road after suffering an unspecified problem in the final preparations for the match.

City edged a 1-0 victory without him, but the focus quickly shifted from the result to the condition of their leading scorer. Manager Pep Guardiola admitted he could not offer clarity on when the Norway international might return, stressing that further medical assessment is required.

Guardiola confirmed that Haaland will be monitored closely at the club’s training base across two key sessions ahead of City’s next league fixture against Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium. The club’s medical staff are understood to be optimistic that the issue is not long term, but no definitive timeline has been set.

“I don’t have an answer right now. He was not ready for today,” Guardiola said after the win at Leeds, underlining the late nature of the decision to omit Haaland from the squad. He pointed to a congested schedule, noting that City have only a short turnaround before facing Forest and then an FA Cup fifth-round tie away to Newcastle United.

The City manager used the moment to criticise the timing of that cup fixture, highlighting the strain on his squad as they juggle domestic and European ambitions. He suggested that the late kick-off offers little recovery time before a looming Champions League trip to Real Madrid, a concern that becomes more acute when key players are carrying knocks.

Haaland is not the only fitness worry. Young midfielder Nico O’Reilly, who impressed before being forced off after 70 minutes at Elland Road with an ankle problem, will also undergo tests. City will hope both players can avoid extended spells on the sidelines as they navigate a decisive phase of the season on multiple fronts.