As Manchester City gets ready to play Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, Erling Haaland appears to be healthy and back and in contention after an injury.
With a win over Newcastle, City can cut the margin over Premier League leaders Arsenal to two points before the Gunners visit Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby.
After taking a knock during City’s victory over Fulham last Wednesday, Haaland was not included in the team for their FA Cup success against Salford City three days later. With 29 goals in 37 games in all competitions this season, Haaland is 22 goals ahead of Brentford’s Igor Thiago, his closest rival for the Premier League Golden Boot.
However, even prior to the injury sustained in the Fulham match, his fitness had been called into question, and since the start of the year, he has only scored four goals in 13 games.
Potential Return Date for Man City Superstar
Guardiola was eager to minimise the seriousness of Haaland’s injury, saying, “Erling isn’t 100%.” The doctor told me it wasn’t a huge deal,” he disclosed. However, [Haaland] didn’t participate in the second half because he had some disruptions both before and during the game. “His development will be observed.”
Guardiola’s old rival José Mourinho’s late heroics allowed City to sneak into the Champions League top eight and escape the punishment round, which takes place next week. While teams like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are fighting for a spot in the round of 16, City has a week off to get ready for Newcastle United’s visit on Saturday night.
Though their Nordic talisman watched from the bench as City easily trounced the Magpies earlier this month, it is unclear if Haaland will be hurried back for this challenge. Seven days remain until City’s next game, which will take place at Leeds United’s Elland Road. Given his father’s time in Yorkshire, Haaland grew up cheering for the team.
