After missing over two months due to a foot injury, Pep Guardiola has declared that Erling Haaland is healthy to play for Manchester City against Burnley on Wednesday.
Haaland hasn’t played since December 6th’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa. Before Christmas, while travelling to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup, he started back up his training.
Despite missing the previous ten games, Haaland, 22, has scored 19 goals this season and is expected to make his squad debut this week against Burnley.
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Guardiola said during a Tuesday press conference, “First time he is back.”
“With our entire squad, we are more powerful. He is a crucial member of our team.”
Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will likely return to action gradually after a five-month absence due to a hamstring injury, according to Guardiola’s prior comments. However, Haaland may be prepared to rejoin the club right away on Wednesday when they play at the Etihad.
“Haaland had a stress of the bone, so it is a completely different approach, but step by step,” he explained.
Following a seven-game winning streak that included Friday’s 1-0 FA Cup triumph over Tottenham, City takes on Burnley.
As they enter the second half of the season, five points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League, Guardiola’s club is aiming for a record-tying fourth consecutive championship.
“It’s one game at a time,” Guardiola declared.
“Because it was only one game, we had previously achieved these [winning] runs. Burnley is the word that comes to mind.
“It makes no difference what we have done in the past, but I’m happy that nearly every member of the squad is fit. [Manuel Akanji] has returned. He and John [Stones] both trained quite well without experiencing any knee issues.
The best news of the season for a significant portion is that. Naturally, it’s crucial to have everyone for the FA Cup and Champions League.”
Despite information on the England defender’s personal life coming to light, Guardiola has stated that Kyle Walker will continue to serve as City’s captain.
Walker apologised to his family and gave an explanation of his conduct in a media interview. As per Guardiola, the 33-year-old will continue to lead the team.
