Haaland Absen's Reason When Manchester City Beat Watford In Carabao Cup

Erling Haaland missed the Carabao Cup to attend his uncle's funeral (Instagram/@mancity).

JAKARTA - Erling Haaland was not included in the Manchester City squad list when facing Watford in the Third Round of the Carabao Cup 2024/2025 (League Cup), at the Etihad Stadium, Wednesday, September 25, 2024, early morning WIB.

The striker missed the match because he had to fly to Norway to attend his uncle's funeral.

As is known, Ivar Eggja, who was a male companion at the wedding of Haaland's father, wary Haaland, and was considered the uncle of the 24-year-old striker Erling.

Ivar Eggja actually died earlier this month at the age of 59. Haaland was offered leave by the club at the time, but chose to stay and play in the match against Brentford, Inter Milan, and Arsenal.

Haaland also chose to attend the funeral which was held this week. Pep Guardiola has given permission for his striker to miss the League Cup to pay his last respects to his uncle.

The 24-year-old is expected to return to England before the match against Newcastle United on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

Meanwhile, Manchester City players gathered around Haaland after learning the news of the uncle's death.

They supported him in training and sent flowers to his personal box for the match against Brentford at the Etihad.

"That's what a team is for. We unite and try to help each other. Erling is at this moment, but we try to help each other, support each other. Not just teammates, but the whole club," said Manu Akanji.