Erling Haaland was a notable absentee as Manchester City traveled to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Saturday, prompting immediate concern over the fitness of the Premier League's leading scorer with the World Cup looming later this year. The Norwegian forward was ruled out after sustaining what the club described as a minor knock in training.

In a statement published on their official website, Manchester City confirmed that Erling Haaland was "not fully fit" and therefore unavailable to return to the city of his birth for the league fixture against Leeds United.

Speaking to Sky Sports before kickoff, head coach Pep Guardiola moved to calm fears about the severity of the issue.

"Two days ago, in the last moments of training, there were some problems. A little injury," he said. "It's not a big issue, but [Haaland] is not ready for today."

While the manager's comments suggested caution rather than crisis, the absence of Haaland was still significant given his prolific form.

The 25-year-old has scored 22 goals in 27 Premier League appearances this season, making him the division's top scorer.

Across all competitions, he has netted 29 times, including seven in the Champions League, where Manchester City were drawn against Real Madrid in Friday's knockout-stage draw.

In Haaland's absence, Guardiola reshuffled his attack.

Semenyo delivers the knockout punch

Omar Marmoush was deployed through the middle, while Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo completed the front three.

The tactical adjustment proved sufficient on a challenging night in West Yorkshire, even with City far from their devastating best.

Despite being without their talisman, City secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory to close the gap on leaders Arsenal to just two points.

💙📲 Erling Haaland celebrates Man City win as he hopes to be back by next week. pic.twitter.com/GjYZOrKOG8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 28, 2026

The decisive moment arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. With 10 seconds remaining before the break, Cherki threaded a precise pass through the defensive line for Ryan Aït-Nouri, who squared the ball across goal for Antoine Semenyo to convert.

It was Semenyo's 14th goal of the campaign and one that ultimately separated the sides, with the winger enjoying a fine start to his career at the Etihad Stadium.

Though Leeds had periods of pressure and arguably deserved more from their early efforts, City demonstrated the resilience that has defined much of their recent success under Guardiola.

All eyes on the months ahead

After weathering sustained pressure, they capitalized on a lapse in concentration and then managed the second half professionally to secure three vital points.

The win significantly strengthens Manchester City's title credentials. If Guardiola's side win their remaining 10 league fixtures, they will claim a seventh Premier League crown under his stewardship.

Meanwhile, Arsenal face Chelsea in a high-stakes London derby on Sunday, with Mikel Arteta's team aiming to maintain their position at the summit.

For now, attention will focus on the recovery timeline for Haaland. With domestic and European ambitions still very much alive - and a World Cup on the horizon - City will be eager to ensure their leading scorer returns swiftly, but without risking a more serious setback.