Why Erling Haaland is absent from the Manchester City squad against Leicester in the Premier League

Erling Haaland is absent from the Manchester City matchday squad against Leicester City on Saturday lunchtime, it has now been confirmed.

Speaking on Friday afternoon during his pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola provided a minor update on the fitness of the Norwegian striker.

However, at that time, the forward remained in contention for Saturday lunch-times clash at the King Power Stadium.

The Manchester City boss said of Erling Haaland, “He feels better.

"We have training this afternoon and we will assess.

"We will see how he feels in his foot and after we will decide.”

On Wednesday, upon his arrival in Manchester, the City forward was then spotted arriving at the Manchester Institute of Health & Performance for further assessment.

One report claimed that the Norway international had subsequently been cleared of serious damage to his foot, despite being spotted limping into the centre.

Perhaps the most encouraging take from that development was that Erling Haaland was later spotted leaving without the aidf of crutches or a protective boot.

However, ahead of kick-off against Leicester City, a concrete update on the player was finally delivered.

Erling Haaland was absent from the travelling Manchester City squad, due to his knock in midweek.

As per the official club website, Erling Haaland has been described as being 'not fully fit', alongside his attacking teammate in the first-team squad, Cole Palmer.

Elsewhere, Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker remain ruled out as they continue their recovery from surgery.

Speaking on Friday afternoon, Pep Guardiola confirmed that the duo would remain ruled out for the weekend.

The Manchester City manager said, “They (Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips) are not ready for Leicester.

"They are better, Kalvin especially.”

Phillips has been out with a shoulder injury and has not played since September 14, but has restarted on-field training, albeit away from the first-team squad.

As for Kyle Walker, the City full-back underwent groin surgery earlier this month after sustaining the problem during the Manchester derby - in a 6-3 win over Erik ten Hag's side.