Haaland has been substituted at half time of their last two friendlies against AC Milan and Barcelona while others have been given longer run outs.
‘Erling is not comfortable,’ Guardiola said. ‘We don't want to take risks. But sooner or later he has to take a step with training and minutes.
‘The season is there, around the corner. He has niggles, muscular, we don't want to take a risk and lose him for three weeks or a month. That would be a problem.’
Erling Haaland has only managed 45 minutes in each of his last two matches in pre-season
Haaland thought he’d scored during the 2-2 draw with Barca only for the linesman to insist the Norwegian’s effort had not crossed the line.
The move was manufactured by the impressive Oscar Bobb, who could be an option through the middle if Haaland was to be missing for a period of time. Julian Alvarez, who is debating his future, is away at the Olympics with Argentina.
‘He didn't feel good and that's why he didn't play the second half,’ Guardiola added.
‘Sixty-seventy per cent of the squad are on holiday. That's why we need the players. At the same time, we have alternatives, Oscar makes an incredible job again. We're pleased with many things.’