Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has sparked debate after accusing Erling Haaland of deliberately missing Manchester City’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
Carragher even jokingly referred to Haaland’s condition as “Rüdigeritis”, suggesting that fear of the German defender played a role in his absence.
The former defender suggested that the Norwegian forward may have feigned injury to avoid facing Antonio Rüdiger, who has previously neutralised him in key encounters.
Controversy Surrounding Haaland’s Injury
Following City’s 3-1 defeat and elimination from the competition, Carragher voiced his suspicions live on air.
“I just want to understand—did Haaland tell the manager in the morning that he wasn’t fit? Was it because of Rüdiger? Was he really injured?”
Carragher
Guardiola’s Defence and City’s Future
Pep Guardiola defended his decision, explaining that he did not want to risk aggravating Haaland’s injury.
However, with City’s Champions League campaign now over, fans and pundits alike continue to speculate whether the outcome could have been different had the Norwegian striker featured in the match.
With European football out of the equation, Manchester City must now shift their focus back to their domestic ambitions in the Premier League and FA Cup.
