Manchester City consider resting Erling Haaland for Porto match

Manchester CityManchester CityPremier League · England2nd POS23–9–6 W-D-L are considering resting Erling HaalandErling HaalandMan City · Norway · Forward for their meeting with Porto. Enzo Maresca, City's manager, is reported to be weighing up whether to give the striker a break after Haaland played every minute of the season so far. No announcement has been made, and the club have not indicated when they will confirm their plans.

The 26-year-old has scored three goals in City's opening three Premier LeaguePremier LeagueEngland5 CLUBS95 MATCHES victories, continuing a prolific start to the campaign. He has been ever-present in the starting line-up during that run, making the prospect of leaving him out a significant selection decision.

2025/26

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POS

2nd

W-D-L

23–9–6

GF

77

GA

35

Season 2025/26

Haaland's season so far

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• Played every minute of Manchester City's campaign
• Scored three goals in City's first three Premier League victories
• Won the Premier League Golden Boot in three of his four seasons at City
• Became a father in 2024

The personal background to the reported rest is important. Haaland's son was born in 2024, and Maresca is reported to believe that becoming a father changed the Norwegian's priorities. Maresca is also reported to regard Haaland as a more 'complete' player now, with motivation no longer shaped purely by scoring goals.

Haaland's scoring record explains why the possibility of a rest carries weight. He has won the Premier League Golden Boot in three of his four seasons at the club and has again begun a campaign quickly. A player of that importance is not usually left out without thought being given to the fixture and the wider schedule.

Porto and the selection question

Like tears in rain · CC BY-SA 4.0

Porto are Manchester City's next opponents. The club have not said whether Haaland will be involved from the start, and no line-up has been released.

What is not yet known

It is not known whether Haaland will be rested for the full match, selected as a substitute, or withdrawn early if he starts. It is also unclear how long any break from the starting line-up would last; neither the club nor the manager has set out the plan.

The first meaningful signal will come when City release their team for the Porto match. Until then, the public picture is of an in-form striker who has been ever-present for his club while adjusting to life as a father.