Erling Haaland damage concern as Pep Guardiola ‘scared’ forward of Real Madrid conflict

Manchester City may have to try and overturn their 3-2 deficit against Real Madrid in the Champions League without Erling Haaland after their star striker limped off injured against Newcastle

Erling Haaland handed Manchester City an injury scare ahead of their crunch Champions League showdown at Real Madrid.

Haaland limped off with a knee problem towards the end of City’s 4-0 drubbing of Newcastle at the Etihad. And the Norwegian sensation faces a race against time to be fit for the second leg of City’s play-off with Real in the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

City trail 3-2 from the first leg and can ill-afford to be without their prolific striker as they battle to keep their European dream alive. Guardiola said: “Everyone was scared when he went down.

“I haven’t spoken with him or the doctors, but hopefully he will be fine. We will see. Maybe it’s not as bad as it could be.”

Haaland captained City for the first time – and Guardiola admits he will be permanent skipper some time in the future. He said: “Haaland has signed a 10 year contract, so I have the feeling about him as captain. I am really happy for him. Sooner or later [he will be permanent captain]. It’s a question of time.”

Guardiola praised hat-trick hero Omar Marmoush, who destroyed Newcastle with three goals in the opening 33 minutes. Substitute James McAtee added a fourth towards the end of a game which Guardiola reckons saw City remind their rivals what they’re still capable of.

Guardiola added: “[Omar] Marmoush did really well in Germany. A player with his quality and pace, I was pleased with the way he scored. In the final third he was really good.

“We knew sooner or later he would score goals, he is a good finisher. Of course he has to improve, but now we see how he handles the compliments.

“The way we played, we remembered what we were, and what we have not been this season. We always try, but sometimes we cannot do it. I am really pleased with the pace and intensity we had up front.

“We need to win these games to qualify for the Champions League. We have to make this kind of performance to send our people home happy.

Marmoush admitted the feeling of scoring his first City hat-trick in just his fifth appearance was ‘crazy’. He said: “It was an day and the feeling is crazy.

“We came in from the first minute and got the job done. It was fast paced and I was really happy to help the team. It was an amazing atmosphere, and I’d like to thank the fans for all their support.”