Medical insider issues Erling Haaland ‘injury’ claim after what he’s seen at Man City
Pep Guardiola is looking to manage the minutes of Erling Haaland similarly to his treatment of Man City legend Sergio Aguero.
That is the view of medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in injury and data analysis.
Haaland, 22, was substituted with 12 minutes left on the clock after wrapping up the points for Man City with his brace in the 2-0 win over West Ham on Sunday (7 August).
The Norway international struggled with a number of soft tissue injuries last season – starting just 21 of a possible 34 Bundesliga games with former side Dortmund.
German outlets also claimed Haaland was keeping his fitness a “secret” after manager Marco Rose revealed he was playing through the pain barrier at times.
Dinnery expects Guardiola’s “sensible management” to continue.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “We’ve seen it with Sergio Aguero – how many times did he actually complete 90 minutes under Guardiola?
“It’s sensible management from Man City and Guardiola. They’re in the driving seat in games, and they’re looking to protect their asset.
“He had well-documented injury problems last season, and he’s still adapting to a new league and new environment.
“City also have a big squad with a lot of strength in depth. They’ll want to keep the players around the fringes happy and give them the minutes to keep them sharp.
“That gives Pep Guardiola the option of changing formation or replacing Haaland if he is to pick up an injury.
“It’s good management from the boss, and it’s something that wouldn’t surprise me if we see most weeks if City have got the game in the bag.”
In other news, pundit claims Jack Grealish could be handed new Man City role after journalist’s transfer update.