The ongoing contest between Manchester City and Aston Villa left fans with multiple questions over Pep Guardiola‘s team selection. Fans were left confused with star striker Erling Haaland left out of the squad and replaced by Julian Alvarez. Many were left concerned about the Norwegian’s absence as the striker has had an on-and-off season with injuries. However, Pep Guardiola’s decision to not play Haaland is quite simple!

The Manchester City’s #9 has been involved in fixtures constantly following his return in January. Despite picking up a knock during the international break, Haaland has been there for his club. However, with the club playing in a string of fixtures, all players might need a little break from the busy schedule. The match against Villa saw Pep Guardiola benching Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, providing them with a much-needed rest ahead of the Crystal Palace this Saturday.

The team also travels to Santiago Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on the 10th of April. Considering the importance of the upcoming games and its injury-ridden roster, the decision to keep his star players off the field is a reasonable move.

Erling Haaland rested amidst injury crisis at Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has a massive headache on his hands with multiple City players currently out with injuries. First-choice goalkeeper Ederson has been out of action for a while now and is likely to take to the field before the Champions League clash against Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker’s injuries are reportedly serious and could see the duo miss weeks of action this season. John Stones who picked an injury just days after Walker, has recovered from the knock but is yet to reach the needed fitness to feature in the playing eleven.

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The decision to rest Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne will provide the two the chance to get a much-needed rest ahead of the busy fixtures later this month. Pep’s side has slipped down the pecking order in the title race and needs to be at the top of their game to remain alive in the title race. As things stand, Arsenal are on top of the standings with 68 points to their name, while Manchester City are placed 3rd with 67 points. Meanwhile, Liverpool, the title favorites, are placed 2nd with 27 points while having a game at hand over Manchester City and Arsenal.

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