Erling Haaland to miss Manchester City’s Carabao Cup clash against Watford on Tuesday – Newcastle availability revealed | OneFootball

Manchester City will be without Erling Haaland for their Carabao Cup third round clash against Watford this week, having granted the Norwegian time off for personal reasons.

The Norway international striker has been Pep Guardiola’s stand-out attacking player during the opening weeks of the new season, registering a remarkable 10 Premier League goals in his first five top-flight games for the club.

Including back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United in late August, Haaland has also had to deal with personal issues away from the pitch, and Manchester City have been hugely supportive of the player in that time.

Following the sad passing of close family friend, Ivar Eggja – who attended both Haaland’s unveiling at the Etihad Stadium and Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2023 – City’s first-team squad rallied around the striker upon learning the news.

Having also supported the striker in training ahead of the Premier League meeting with Brentford, Manchester City’s first-team group sent flowers to the Norwegian’s private box at the Etihad Stadium for the meeting with Thomas Frank’s side.

Now, the club have ensured that they remain understanding and supportive of the personal circumstances in Erling Haaland’s private life, by permitting a period of leave from the club this week.

According to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Erling Haaland will miss Manchester City’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Watford this week after being granted time off following the death of close family friend, Ivar Eggja.

The report details that a funeral is understood to be taking place in Norway this week, and as such Manchester City have permitted Haaland to leave the first-team squad ahead of the League Cup clash in order to pay his respects.

However, it is made clear that the 24-year-old forward is expected to be available to return for Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.

A message issued by the Manchester City first-team set-up to the Haaland family following the passing of Ivar Eggja earlier this month read, “In tribute to our much loved friend, Ivar. You brightened our days on a regular basis and it feels very strange we will not see you again.

“Your smile, soul and pure effervescence for life will always be remembered! Thank you for being part of our memories, from us all at Manchester City First Team x”

Pep Guardiola also commented on the difficult circumstances during an earlier press conference, as he said, Pep Guardiola on the passing of Ivar Eggja: “A tough moment for Erling and his family, sad news.

“A close person to him and his family, 59. Our thoughts are with him and all his family. And it’s sad, and we’ll see tomorrow if he’s able mentally and physically to play.”