Haaland ruled out of City FA Cup as Guardiola plays down injury concern

• Erling Haaland misses Salford clash after being forced off against Fulham
• Pep Guardiola hopeful striker will return for Newcastle match
• Bernardo Silva also sidelined while John Stones makes first start since November

Erling Haaland has been ruled out of Manchester City’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Salford City after failing to recover fully from the issue that forced him off during Wednesday’s win over Fulham.

The Norway striker scored in the 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium but was substituted at half-time and replaced by Omar Marmoush. Haaland, who has 29 goals in all competitions this season, has not been included in City’s squad for Saturday’s cup fixture.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Pep Guardiola said the problem was not serious and stressed that caution was behind the decision to rest his leading scorer.

“Erling is not one hundred per cent but we will see today how he feels,” Guardiola said. “It is not a big issue, the doctor said to me. But he had some disturbance before and during the game and that is why he did not play in the second half. We will see his evolution.”

City remain optimistic Haaland will be available for next weekend’s Premier League match at home to Newcastle United, with the medical staff continuing to monitor his recovery.

Bernardo Silva also misses the FA Cup tie after failing to reach full fitness, while John Stones makes his first start since November following his return from injury.

City face Salford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Guardiola expected to rotate his squad as he manages a congested schedule across domestic and European competitions.