Erling Haaland Set to Make Long-Awaited Return for Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that striker Erling Haaland is fit to return to the squad after nearly two months out with a foot injury. Haaland, who has scored 19 goals this season, last played against Manchester United on December 6. He resumed training during the trip to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup before Christmas.

Guardiola expressed his excitement about Haaland’s return, stating, ‘First time he is back… We have all the squad, we are stronger. He is an important player for us.’ The manager also addressed midfielder Phil Foden‘s comeback following a five-month absence due to a hamstring injury.

Referring to Haaland’s different injury, Guardiola said, ‘Haaland had a stress of the bone, so it is a completely different approach, but step by step.’ However, he hinted that the Norwegian striker might be ready to immediately rejoin the team against Burnley on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City goes into the match against Burnley on the back of a seven-match winning run, including the remarkable victory over Manchester United in the Premier League on Friday. With the Cityzens sitting just five points behind league leaders Manchester United, they are aiming for a record fourth title in a row.

Guardiola emphasized the importance of taking each game as it comes: ‘It’s one game at a time… It’s Burnley, Burnley, Burnley.’ The manager expressed his delight about the majority of the squad being fit, including Foden and Kyle Walker, as they enter a crucial part of the season with FA Cup and Champions League fixtures approaching.

Guardiola also confirmed that despite recent revelations about his private life, Walker will remain the captain of Manchester City. The defender publicly apologized for his actions, and the manager supported him, stating that Walker is an integral part of the team.