Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City are having to manage Erling Haaland’s minutes during pre-season.

The striker has been substituted at half-time during the friendly defeats to AC Milan and Barcelona in the US.

Man City were beaten 4-1 on penalties by Guardiola’s former club in Florida after losing to Milan and Celtic in their opening two pre-season fixtures.

Haaland struggled with injuries last season despite winning another Premier League Golden Boot, missing 15 games due to ankle and muscle issues.

"He's got some niggles. He didn't feel good," Guardiola said late on Tuesday. "(It is) disturbing something, he doesn't feel comfortable.

"Muscular niggles is not worth the risk. Sooner or later he has to take a step. To lose him for three weeks, that would be a problem as 60-70% of the squad are on holiday."

City play Chelsea in their final pre-season game on Saturday before contesting the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday 10 August.

The champions then begin yet another title defence away at the Blues eight days later.