Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has expressed optimism that Erling Haaland will be fit for their Champions League playoff second-leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Speaking after a 4-0 win over Newcastle, Guardiola admitted he was “scared” by the Haaland’s second-half injury against Newcastle.
The Norwegian striker went down clutching his knee in the final minutes at the Etihad.
Haaland appeared to jar his right knee without any challenge before falling to the pitch in discomfort.
But after a period of treatment, the 25-year-old was able to walk off before watching the rest of the game from the substitutes’ bench.
“When he went down, everyone was scared,” Guardiola said.
“But he walked off smiling and the doctor didn’t tell me bad news so hopefully he is fine.
“I have not spoken to the doctor. Maybe it’s not bad as it could be.”
City must overturn a 3-2 first-leg deficit against Real in the Santiago Bernabéu to reach the round of 16.
Haaland scored City’s two goals during last Tuesday’s loss against the reigning Champions League champions at the Etihad.
