Arsenal learn real reason for Erling Haaland absence from Man City FA Cup tie

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Erling Haaland was a notable absentee from the Manchester City squad for the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Newcastle United on Saturday night

Pep Guardiola has explained why Erling Haaland wasn’t in the Manchester City matchday squad for the FA Cup tie against Newcastle United. Haaland has now missed two of his side's last three matches in all competitions.

An ankle injury picked up in training resulted in him missing last weekend’s Premier League win over Leeds United, but he returned for the 2-2 with Nottingham Forest in midweek.

However, as City battle Arsenal for the Premier League title and prepare for a Champions League tie against Real Madrid in midweek, Guardiola took the decision to give his forward the night off.

“I was not planning to play him,” Guardiola revealed ahead of kick-off in the North East. “I would prefer [him to have] good training sessions than to travel and play just 10-15 minutes.”

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The Gunners hold a seven-point lead over City in the Premier League table following a dramatic midweek round of action.

While Guardiola’s side were held by Forest at the Etihad, Arsenal picked up a huge 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex.

Meanwhile, in the FA Cup, the Gunners booked their place in the quarter-final with a 2-1 win over Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon. And speaking post-match, Arteta said: "It was a proper FA Cup game and credit to Mansfield. The stadium and the atmosphere the fans created there was a bit of banter.

"They made it really difficult for us. If not, you have to be more ruthless in front of goal than we were today.

"The margin becomes smaller, and you give hope to the opposition. We made a mistake on the goal, which cost us the momentum and belief for them. Overall, happy with the performance.

"We have two 16-year-olds in the starting line-up, which I don't think has ever happened, and I am very proud of them.

"I think everyone feels involved. We have the desire that, game by game, we can get closer to the things that we can achieve."

While Eberechi Eze added: "It was a difficult environment to play in. But we did what we had to do and we are through to next round which is the important thing.

"We are working hard and we are focussing on the process. Otherwise, we won't get there. We are working hard and doing everything we can to win all the silverware on offer."