Pep Guardiola provides Erling Haaland update after Man City forward was forced off with injury that left 'everyone scared'

Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Erling Haaland after the striker was forced off in the latter stages of Manchester City's 4-0 win over Newcastle United.

The Citizens returned to winning ways on Saturday as January signing Omar Marmoush announced himself to the Etihad with a 14-minute hat-trick before James McAtee made it four late on.

Marmoush, who only arrived in Manchester last month in a £59 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt, was the big talking point after scoring the fourth-fastest hat-trick in the club’s Premier League history.

But despite his efforts, an awkward-looking knee injury to Erling Haaland took the shine off City's latest win.

Paul Merson, who was watching the game for Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday, described the scene as Pep Guardiola had "his head in his hands" when the Norwegian was replaced in the 88th minute.

"It seemed like [Haaland’s] knee gave way, it sort of jarred," said former Arsenal midfielder Merson. "He didn’t look comfortable, shaking his head, Pep Guardiola put his head in his hands.

"I think he’s walked off, he’s obviously alright. It looked a major worry, the first thing that comes into your head there is ACL."

Merson added: "He looks alright though, thank god. He looks alright. When he first did it, it looked very worrying. Very worrying. Hopefully he’ll be alright for Wednesday night."

The Athletic's Sam Lee soon posted reassuring footage of Haaland applauding the home support after the full-time whistle alongside a caption that read: "I’ve been asked a lot about Haaland’s injury, but you can judge for yourselves."

And in his post-match comments, Guardiola delivered a somewhat positive update ahead of their Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

"When he was down, everyone was scared," he said. "But he got up and walked smiling like always."

Guardiola added: "I didn’t speak to him or the doctors – but the doctors didn’t come with bad news – so hopefully he is fine. Maybe it’s not as bad as it could be."

Guardiola was also asked about his decision to give Haaland the captain's armband for the game against Newcastle.

"When Kyle [Walker] left, Kevin [De Bruyne] became the first [captain], then I nominated Erling," he said. "It's nice for the first time in the Premier League, it's just a beginning, but it's a gesture."