Why Is Erling Haaland Not Playing Today for Manchester City vs Aston Villa?
Manchester City will play their final game of the season against Aston Villa, and it will mark Pep Guardiola's final game as Man City manager.
The Spanish manager joined Manchester City ten years ago and will leave the club after winning the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. For his final match as Man City manager, Guardiola made significant changes, including not including Erling Haaland in the starting lineup.
Haaland started in Manchester City's previous Premier League match against Bournemouth away from home. Haaland scored a late goal, which led to a 1-1 draw, which also crowned Arsenal as Premier League champions.
Haaland played the whole game against Bournemouth and showed no signs of the injury he suffered. Haaland is not on the Manchester City bench, and he will not play against Aston Villa today.
Our final XI of the Pep era
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 24, 2026
XI | Trafford, Lewis, Stones, Dias, Ake, Nico, Bernardo (C), Reijnders, Foden, Savinho, Semenyo
SUBS | Bettinelli, Marmoush, Kovacic, Cherki, Doku, Ait-Nouri, Gvardiol, Nunes, Alleyne
@etihadpic.twitter.com/EhJCbnTWkV
Is Erling Haaland Injured?
Erling Haaland does not appear to be injured and may be rested for the final game as the 2026 World Cup is less than three weeks away. Haaland will play in his first World Cup with Norway this summer.
Haaland will finish this season with 27 goals and eight assists in the Premier League. Haaland will likely win the Premier League Golden Boot for the third time in his career.
Other key players that will not be in the squad for Manchester City today against Aston Villa are Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico O'Reilly, and Rodri.
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 9:11 AM.