Haaland is ready for Man City return
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland will return for Manchester City against Burnley on Wednesday after missing over two months due to a foot injury.
Haaland has not played since the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on December 6. He resumed training on his travel to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup just before Christmas.
Haaland, 22, has scored 19 goals this season despite missing the last ten games and is expected to return to the squad against Burnley this week.
“First time he is back,” Guardiola told a news conference on Tuesday.
“We have all the squad, we are stronger. He is an important player for us.”
Guardiola has already stated that midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will be gradually reintroduced after a five-month layoff due to a hamstring injury, but Haaland may be able to play immediately at the Etihad on Wednesday.
“Haaland had a stress of the bone, so it is a completely different approach, but step by step,” he said.
City comes into the game against Burnley after a seven-game winning streak, including a 1-0 FA Cup triumph against Tottenham on Friday.
Guardiola’s team is five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool as they enter the second half of the season hoping to win a historic fourth title in a row.
“It’s one game at a time,” Guardiola said.
“We made these [winning] runs in the past because it was just one game. It’s Burnley, Burnley, Burnley.
“It doesn’t matter what we have done in the past, but I am delighted we have almost all of the squad fit. [Manuel Akanji] is back. He trained really well without knee problems and John [Stones] as well.
“That is the best news for an important part of the season. Of course with the FA Cup and Champions League, it is important to have everybody.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola has maintained that Kyle Walker would remain City captain, despite recent disclosures concerning the England defender’s personal life.
Walker conducted a media interview to explain his behavior and apologize to his family. Guardiola stated that the 33-year-old will remain club captain.
