Jamie Carragher has cast doubt on the legitimacy of the injury that kept Erling Haaland out of Manchester City’s starting lineup in their crucial Champions League showdown against Real Madrid.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Carragher appeared skeptical about the Norwegian striker’s fitness concerns. “So let me get this straight,” he said. “Haaland reportedly told Pep Guardiola this morning that he wasn’t fit to start. But is it really about an injury?”
The former Liverpool defender then speculated about a possible reason behind Haaland’s decision. “Does this have anything to do with Antonio Rudiger? Is it because Rudiger is starting?” Carragher questioned.
The ex-England international pointed out that Haaland was named on the bench, raising further doubts about the injury claim. “If he’s on the bench, then he’s not really injured, is he?” Carragher continued. “I never once went to my manager on the morning of a game and told him I wasn’t fit.”
Haaland’s omission from the starting lineup sparked plenty of debate, with City ultimately missing his presence in their high-stakes clash at the Bernabeu.