Erling Haaland was an unused substitute in Manchester City's 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid which saw them exit the Champions League.
The Norwegian was expected to play a role since his team were looking for an incredible comeback to save their European campaign.
Pep Guardiola shared a reason why his best player was sat on the bench for doe or die game.
Source: Getty Images
Haaland scored both of Man City's goals in their 3-2 first-leg loss but appeared to struggle with an injury in their 4-0 win over Newcastle United.
He was a surprise omission from the starting eleven at the Santiago Bernabeu but it didn't really matter as the Premier League giants' comeback ended after four minutes.
Kylian Mbappe bagged a hat-trick inside an hour to confirm Man City's elimination from the competition.
Omar Marmoush started in his place after his superb hat-trick against Newcastle but couldn't replicate that performance against the European champions.
"Erling tried to train [on Tuesday] after the last action against Newcastle. With the images we have done it was fine, but he had discomfort walking, for example up the stairs," said Guardiola via 90min.
"We spoke and he said he wasn't ready, he didn't feel good."
Haaland and Man City will have to focus on finishing in the top four and try and win the FA Cup.
Source: Getty Images
Guardiola's team were seen as favourites to win the Premier League this season again and perhaps reach the Champions League final.
However, after Rodri tore his ACL in September things went downhill quickly. They won once between October and late December but their signing in January are yet to make an impact.
They are now 17 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool but are top contenders to finish inside Champions League places.
"Nothing is eternal," Guardiola said via Sky Sports. Nothing is forever, but we can't deny what this group of players have done, winning six Premier League titles in seven seasons and reaching the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in this competition.
Man City have won the last four Premier League titles and it seems their stranglehold is coming to an end.
earlier reported that Kylian Mbappe dummied Man City defender Josko Gvardiol to score his second goal against the English side.
Mbappe floored the Croatian and then trolled him when celebrating the goal.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
