Manchester City fitness report before Real Madrid clash: Haaland update

Manchester City face a crucial Champions League trip to Real Madrid this week with several injury concerns still affecting Pep Guardiola’s squad.

While the Premier League champions secured a 3-1 FA Cup victory against Newcastle United without Erling Haaland, attention quickly turned to the striker’s fitness ahead of the high-profile clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on 11 March.

Guardiola’s squad has dealt with multiple injury setbacks throughout the season, though some players are now edging closer to returning.

Erling Haaland’s absence from Manchester City’s FA Cup match against Newcastle raised immediate concerns among supporters.

However, Guardiola clarified that the decision not to include the Norwegian striker was precautionary rather than injury-related.

“I was not planning to play him. I would prefer good training sessions rather than travelling to play just 10 or 15 minutes.”

Haaland had previously missed the Premier League fixture against Leeds with a minor knock before returning in the midweek match against Nottingham Forest.

Based on Guardiola’s comments, the striker is expected to be available for the Champions League round-of-16 tie in Madrid.

Potential return date: 11 March vs Real Madrid (Champions League)

Defender Josko Gvardiol remains one of Manchester City’s longer-term absentees after suffering a serious leg injury earlier this year.

The Croatian centre-back had been a key figure in Guardiola’s defensive setup before the setback occurred during a match against Chelsea.

Gvardiol addressed the injury on social media shortly after the incident.

“This is a hard moment but it will never define me. I will fight every day to return stronger.”

Medical staff expect the defender to remain unavailable for the remainder of the current campaign.

Potential return date: Summer 2026

Midfielder Mateo Kovacic could return to action before the end of the season after a prolonged spell out with an ankle injury.

The Croatian international has undergone two surgeries following the problem he initially suffered during last summer’s Club World Cup.

Guardiola recently confirmed that Kovacic has returned to training with the first-team squad.

“Finally he’s back training for the last three or four sessions. His condition still needs time, but after the second surgery the situation is much better.”

Even after returning to training, Kovacic will likely require time to regain full match fitness.

Potential return date: Late March or early April

Young defender Max Alleyne has also been working his way back to fitness after picking up a knock earlier this year.

The defender recently completed a full 90 minutes in a Premier League 2 match against Aston Villa, suggesting he is close to rejoining the senior squad.

Having followed Manchester City’s development pathway this season, players returning from the youth setup often re-enter the first-team picture gradually once they regain match fitness.

Potential return date: 11 March vs Real Madrid

Manchester City will travel to Madrid for the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie on 11 March. Guardiola’s pre-match press conference is expected to provide a clearer update on Haaland’s availability.

The fixture could prove pivotal in City’s European campaign, particularly given their ongoing involvement in domestic competitions as well.

Will Erling Haaland return in time to lead Manchester City’s attack against Real Madrid?