Erling Haaland was absent from Manchester City's journey to Leeds United due to injury. The forward was not included in the City squad for the Premier League showdown with Leeds United at Elland Road. Haaland played in the victory over Newcastle United last time and City manager Pep Guardiola did not mention any problems for the Norwegian international during his press conference on Friday.

However, he did not participate at Leeds with Rayan Cherki stepping into the team in his stead, and Omar Marmoush spearheaded the attack in his absence. Haaland has sustained an injury and although it is not severe, it is sufficient to keep him out of action at Leeds. Guardiola, speaking before kick-off at Elland Road, stated: "Two days ago in training he had some problems and a little injury. Not a big issue but not ready for today. We are without one top striker and we are playing with another top striker."

Reports from Haaland's compatriot Jan Age Fjortoft indicated that Haaland might be fit to face Nottingham Forest in midweek.

City entered the match second in the Premier League table, trailing leaders Arsenal by five points who host Chelsea on Sunday. Haaland has been a constant presence for City this season and is the league's leading scorer on 22 goals.

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However, he has experienced fatigue in recent months and Guardiola discussed the challenges for his star forward in leading the attack week after week and dealing with physical confrontations with centre-backs, as was the case with Newcastle's Dan Burn a week ago.

Guardiola stated: "We have to try to use it as less as possible, even with man-marking. We have make an alternative, not in man- marking, it is long balls against Erling and Burn, otherwise, every three days doing that for a striker like Erling is unsustainable.

"We have to make alternatives to try... still, I have a dream, to play and play and play more that we are playing sometimes, even if with man-marking that is difficult."