Erling Haaland Ruled Out of Manchester City’s Club World Cup Opener Due to Health Concerns
PHILADELPHIA, USA — In a significant blow to Manchester City’s ambitions at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, star striker Erling Haaland has been ruled out of the team’s opening Group G match against Wydad AC on June 18, 2025, due to a sudden health issue. Manager Pep Guardiola swiftly addressed the situation, providing clarity on the Norwegian’s condition and the club’s plans moving forward.
Haaland, who has been pivotal to Manchester City’s attacking prowess since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, reportedly experienced discomfort during a training session in Florida, where the team is preparing for the tournament. According to sources close to the club, the 24-year-old felt a sharp pain, prompting immediate medical evaluation. Following consultations with the club’s medical staff, it was decided not to risk Haaland’s health, ruling him out of the opening fixture at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Speaking at a press conference on June 17, 2025, Guardiola expressed caution but remained optimistic about Haaland’s recovery. “Erling felt something in training, and after checks, we decided it’s best not to take chances,” Guardiola said. “His health is the priority. We expect him to be back soon, hopefully for our next matches against Al Ain or Juventus. The medical team is working closely with him, and we’re confident he’ll return stronger.” The manager declined to specify the exact nature of the issue, citing privacy, but emphasized that the decision was made to protect Haaland’s long-term fitness.
The absence of Haaland, who scored 31 goals in 44 matches during the 2024/25 season despite describing it as “catastrophic,” is a setback for Manchester City, who are favored to lift the revamped 32-team Club World Cup trophy. The team’s attacking depth will be tested, with new signings Omar Marmoush and Claudio Echeverri likely to shoulder more responsibility. Marmoush, in particular, is tipped to start against Wydad AC, with Sky Bet offering 9/2 odds for the Egyptian to score two or more goals.
Guardiola’s squad, which includes new recruits Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Aït-Nouri, has been bolstered by a £110 million spending spree aimed at revitalizing the team after a trophyless 2024/25 campaign. Despite the disappointment of Haaland’s absence, the manager highlighted the squad’s resilience. “We have a strong group, and this is an opportunity for others to step up,” he noted. “The Club World Cup is a fresh start, and we’re here to compete.”
The news comes amid other challenges for Manchester City, including the high-profile omission of Jack Grealish from the 27-man squad, which Haaland publicly lamented on social media. Additionally, injuries to players like Kalvin Phillips and Mateo Kovacic have further tested the team’s depth. However, the return of Rodri from an ACL injury provides a boost, with the midfielder expected to anchor the side in Haaland’s absence.
Fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting updates on Haaland’s condition, with hopes that the prolific striker will return to action before the group stage concludes. Manchester City’s next matches against Al Ain on June 23 and Juventus on June 26 offer opportunities for Haaland to rejoin the squad, provided his recovery progresses smoothly. For now, the focus remains on navigating the opening challenge without their talismanic forward as Guardiola plots a path to global glory.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, Manchester Evening News, The Guardian, Sky Sports
