Manchester Metropolis Damage Blow Forward of Salford FA Cup Tie
Manchester Metropolis’s FA Cup preparations have been dealt a notable setback with Erling Haaland anticipated to overlook the fourth spherical assembly with Salford. The Norwegian striker, so usually the focus of Metropolis’s attacking authority, emerged as a doubt after being withdrawn at half time in the course of the 3-0 victory over Fulham in midweek, a match during which he had already discovered the online.
Picture: IMAGO
Commercial
Pep Guardiola moved swiftly to make clear the scenario, providing reassurance whereas acknowledging warning stays.
“Erling’s not 100 per cent however we’ll see at present how he feels,” the Man Metropolis boss mentioned.
“It’s not an enormous difficulty, the physician mentioned to me. However had some disturbance earlier than and in the course of the sport and that’s why second half he didn’t play. We are going to see his evolution.“
Rotation Plans for Cup Conflict
With the Premier League title race intensifying and a scheduled week with out fixtures to observe, Manchester Metropolis are anticipated to rotate closely in opposition to Salford. Defending key property has grow to be a part of Guardiola’s home cup technique, significantly in opposition to decrease league opposition.
Commercial
First selection goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma can be rested, handing James Trafford a helpful alternative between the posts. In defence, Ruben Dias continues his return from damage and may very well be handed necessary minutes, whereas Abdukodir Khusanov, withdrawn in opposition to Liverpool with a head damage, made his comeback from the bench in midweek.
Nathan Ake’s absence in opposition to Fulham raised questions, but he might return right here. Extremely rated teen Max Alleyne can be pushing for involvement as Metropolis steadiness expertise with improvement.
Attacking Duty on Marmoush
Haaland’s anticipated absence locations the attacking burden on Omar Marmoush. The Egypt ahead arrives in assured temper after scoring twice in a current cup victory over Newcastle, his motion and ending providing Guardiola a distinct however harmful profile via the centre.
Commercial
Ryan McAidoo, who scored within the exceptional 10-1 win over Exeter within the earlier spherical, can also obtain additional first staff publicity as Manchester Metropolis search to mix youth with established high quality.
Predicted Line Up and Match Particulars
Predicted Manchester Metropolis XI, 4-1-4-1: Trafford, Lewis, Dias, Alleyne, Ait-Nouri, Nico, Foden, Reijnders, O’Reilly, Cherki, Marmoush
Injured: Gvardiol, Kovacic, Doku, Savinho
Manchester Metropolis face Salford at 3pm GMT on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with development the clear expectation, even with out their main scorer.