Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Braut Haaland is fully fit and ready to play from the start, but will not guarantee that the Norwegian will start against Southampton.
It is very important for Manchester City to win this match as they will secure their participation in the Champions League next season. Before this weekend’s games, they are in 3rd place in the Premier League.
“He is healthy and ready. Whether he starts or not, you’ll see tomorrow,” Guardiola said during Friday’s press conference.
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Later today, Southampton, who were relegated historically early to the Championship, will take on Manchester City at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Damage hell over
Haaland suffered an ankle injury in the cup match against Bournemouth at the end of March, with an estimated rehabilitation time of five to seven weeks. After a long break from the track, the goal machine has now returned to the training group.
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In a new interview with ESPN, Jærbuen expresses his frustration over the injury period:
“It’s been terrible to be injured, but what can you do? You have to work to come back as quickly and as strong as possible. Now I’m back with a lot of energy. I feel good, move well – and I’m ready for the game,” Haaland said.
Good news for the national team
The news comes as a relief for Norwegian national team manager Ståle Solbakken, who can now count on his star player to be in optimal shape for the important World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Italy in June.
With Haaland back in action, both City and Norway will get a significant boost in the upcoming important matches.
