Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reacted hilariously after Erling Haaland picked up a groin injury during their 1-1 draw against West Ham in the Premier League. The Norwegian superstar’s goal output has been concerning this season due to recurring injury concerns.

Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw against West Ham, with them falling further behind first-placed Arsenal in the title race. Meanwhile, Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Everton on the same day, standing nine points ahead of City, although the latter have a game in hand. One major concern with Guardiola’s side is Erling Haaland’s slow form, as he’s scored only thrice in the last 12 league games. He also missed a game due to injuries and has picked up another groin issue in the game on Saturday.

In the post-match press conference, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola quipped about Erling Haaland’s groin injury, while admitting the problems with his side. He said (via Hayters TV):

“Hopefully his wife will be happy tonight.”

The extent of Erling Haaland’s injury has yet to be confirmed, but it will be of serious concern if he misses the upcoming UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg. Guardiola’s side lost 3-0 to Real Madrid in the first leg and must do everything to overcome the same at the Etihad next week to remain in the competition.

Pep Guardiola comments on Erling Haaland’s recent goal drought for Manchester City

In the post-match conversation, the Manchester City boss was also asked about Erling Haaland’s ongoing goal drought this season. Guardiola admitted the same, saying (via City Xtra):

“We need his goals, definitely. But we need to create more, like we created for example in the first 15, 20 minutes (of the second-half against West Ham); he had three or four chances there. And in the first-half he didn’t have, why?”

He added:

“Because we had a lot of control but we were not a threat as much as the second-half. And to be involved, we have to create that threat that sometimes we didn’t have. But he will be back.”

While the Norwegian superstar’s goal drought remains one of the major concerns for City, it isn’t the only one. Haaland’s forte has always been his lethal finishing, but the lack of momentum in the attack for the Sky Blues has rendered his skill useless. They are not creating enough chances for Haaland to deliver from the penalty box, leading to their inability to score enough.

Manchester City will have to solve their attacking problem soon to able to compete with Arsenal for the Premier League title. Moreover, they will need a major overturn to beat Real Madrid in the UCL Round of 16. The Carabao Cup final against the Gunners on March 22 also remains a looming threat.