Erling Haaland 'to miss Man City match' as striker flies back to Norway

Erling Haaland will reportedly miss Manchester City’s Carabao Cup clash with Watford as he takes time away following the death of a family friend.

The Norwegian striker was close to Ivar Eggja, who passed away earlier this month aged 59 and was considered an uncle figure by Erling. Eggja served as best man at the wedding of Erling’s father, Alfie Haaland.

He was offered compassionate leave by the club but decided to continue playing and racked up three goals in recent fixtures against Brentford, Inter Milan, and Arsenal.

However, he has now been granted leave for Eggja’s funeral in Norway this week and flew back on Monday to attend the services, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Haaland, 24, is expected to be ready for City’s upcoming match against Newcastle on Saturday.

In a display of team solidarity, City players offered their support to Haaland, showing their collective spirit during this difficult time. Defender Manuel Akanji commented on the matter, emphasising the importance of unity within the squad.

“That’s what a team is for,” he said. “We stick together and try to help each other out. It was Erling in this moment but we try to help each other out, lift each other. It’s not just the team-mates, it’s the whole club.”

Haaland’s stunning form for City has seen him smash a Premier League record, netting the most goals in the first four games of a season. His goal against Arsenal also set a new record for a player’s five matches.

The Norwegian striker’s blistering start comes after a summer break while many of his teammates were on duty at the European Championship.

However, he had a full summer of rest and was raring to go, though Pep Guardiola will be forced to call upon an alternative for Watford’s visit to the Etihad on Wednesday.