Erling Haaland to miss Man City's Carabao Cup clash against Watford as striker returns to Norway

Haaland, who has already scored 10 Premier League goals this season in just five appearances, has been granted leave by City as he is all set to head back to Norway to attend the funeral of family friend Ivar Eggja, who passed away earlier this month. As a result, the striker will not feature for Pep Guardiola's side in their midweek Carabao Cup fixture against Watford.

Eggja, a close confidante of the Norwegian, played a vital role in the player's career and personal life, offering both guidance and support during his meteoric rise to football stardom. City had earlier planned to grant the 24-year-old a "compassionate leave", however, he featured against Brentford and Arsenal in the league and also took the field in their Champions League opener against Inter last week.

Haaland's opening strike against the Gunners helped him equal Cristiano Ronaldo's record as he scored his 100th Manchester City goal in just 105 appearances across all competitions.

While the striker will miss the Watford tie on Tuesday night, he is expected to be back in Manchester before the club's Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Saturday.