ELLAND ROAD, LEEDS — Manchester City were aiming to close the gap on Arsenal at the Premier League summit when they travelled to face Leeds United on Saturday.
They battled to a 1-0 win as Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal in first-half stoppage time.
It reduced Arsenal’s advantage to two points in the title race and City made up ground without their top scorer.
Here’s all we know so far about Erling Haaland’s surprise weekend absence.
Erling Haaland out of Man City vs. Leeds
When the official team news was confirmed at 4:15 p.m. local time (11:15 a.m. ET), Haaland was not part of the City matchday squad.
January signing Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush were both in the starting XI and look set to be paired together in attack in Haaland’s absence.
The reason for Haaland’s absence was rumoured to be a minor knee injury that is not thought to be serious. City’s next Premier League match is against Nottingham Forest on March 4 and he has not been ruled out of contention.
Speaking to Sky Sports Premier League before the Leeds match, City boss Pep Guardiola said: “Two days ago, in the last moments of training, he had some problems, a little injury. It’s not a big issue, but he’s not ready for today.”
Man City record without Haaland in 2025/26
The Leeds match was the first City game in the Premier League or Champions League this season in which Haaland has not been involved.
Indeed, he had started all but two of his club’s 35 matches in those competitions prior to the weekend, appearing as a substitute in a heavily rotated side that lost 2-0 to Bayer Leverkusen and when Guardiola’s team beat Wolves by the same scoreline.
City also won domestic cup games against Huddersfield Town, Swansea City, Brentford and Salford City when Haaland was rested.
Erling Haaland goals and assists in 2025/26
Haaland’s 22 goals in 27 appearances have him out in front in the Premier League’s Golden Boot race. He also has seven assists.
In all competitions, Haaland has 29 goals in 38 club appearances this term. All of his assists have come in the Premier League.