Omar Marmoush’s hat-trick propelled Manchester City into the top four as Erling Haaland was declared fit for the daunting trip to Real Madrid after an injury scare.
Haaland appeared to jar his knee late on during City’s 4-0 demolition of Newcastle United, long after Marmoush had netted the club’s 44th hat-trick of the Premier League era.
But Pep Guardiola insisted that his captain for the day will be able to feature at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night as City attempt to reverse a 3-2 deficit in the Champions League.
‘When Erling was down everyone was scared,’ Guardiola said. ‘He got up, walked and was smiling like always. I didn’t speak to him but they didn’t bring me bad news.’
There was an air of worry when the Norwegian striker hit the deck, pulling up after trying to close down a Newcastle defender and holding his right knee.
Both player and manager looked in distress, with Guardiola fearing that City’s season may have just been dealt a disastrous blow.
Erling Haaland suffered a knee injury during the latter stages of Man City’s win over Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has quelled fears that Haaland’s injury is serious and will look to start the striker in midweek
Nerves inside the were partly eased as Haaland got to his feet and made his own way off the field to be replaced by Matheus Nunes – taking his seat on the bench rather than go straight down the tunnel.
And after being quietly optimistic immediately after the final whistle, Guardiola has now quelled any fears that Haaland picked up a serious issue – so soon after being handed an increased role in the squad.
Haaland has been added to City’s five-man leadership group and took the armband amid a raft of injuries and with Kevin De Bruyne on the bench.
‘When Kyle Walker left Kevin became the captain,’ Guardiola said. ‘I nominated Erling, not the players. When one player will be 10 years here, sooner or later you take the step for responsibility.’
Haaland now appears set to feature in midweek’s crucial Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid – a game where firepower up top will be a necessity.
After capitulating late on during their first meeting last week, City will have to come from behind in the tie if they look to keep their European campaign alive.
Paired with Haaland, City will hope Marmoush can take his goal-scoring exploits of this weekend with him onto the continent, having ended a four-game goalless run to finally open his account for the reigning champions.
‘We knew sooner or later he would score goals, he is a good finisher,’ Guardiola told BBC Sport.
Guardiola hopes Omar Marmoush can maintain his form, regardless of Haaland’s availability
Marmoush netted three times in 14 minutes to give the hosts a commanding lead at the Etihad
‘Of course he has to improve, but now we see how he handles the compliments.’
Marmoush wasn’t the only new Man City signing to star against Newcastle, with Guardiola also hailing fellow countryman Nico Gonzalez for his contributions.
‘Nico Gonzalez helped us a lot, I was really pleased because we needed him, it has been a tough three months,’ he added.
‘He is our mini Rodri! He has a huge presence, his pace, and his time at Barcelona academy, it is all about the ball and positioning. He has the desire to have success in the Premier League, he is here to prove himself.’
