Erling Haaland has responded to Man City's win over Leeds United(Image: Getty Images)

Erling Haaland took to social media to celebrate Manchester City's hard‑fought 1–0 win over Leeds United, despite missing the return to Elland Road.

News of the Norwegian's absence became public shortly before the team announcement, prompting several Leeds fans on Twitter to claim he had pulled out because he didn’t want to face his beloved Leeds.

But he was in fact absent from the clash after picking up a knock in training during the week.

The injury is not thought to be serious, with hopes that Haaland could be fit in time for Wednesday's home fixture against Nottingham Forest, although manager Pep Guardiola was reluctant to commit to a definitive return date.

Speaking to the BBC following the final whistle, Guardiola said: "We don't have spies in the training centre to deliver the info to our media. I think it is not a big issue. We will see."

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Even from the sidelines, the 25‑year‑old quickly shared the...