Haaland Set to Return as City Gear Up for Season Finale
Manchester City have received a major boost ahead of a crucial run-in, with Erling Haaland declared fit to return to action this weekend.
Manchester City have received a major boost ahead of a crucial run-in, with Erling Haaland declared fit to return to action this weekend.
Pep Guardiola confirmed that the Norwegian striker is available for Saturday’s Premier League clash away to Southampton (15:00 BST), after recovering from the ankle injury he sustained in March during City’s FA Cup tie against Bournemouth.
“Haaland is ready, he is fit,” said Guardiola in Friday’s press conference. “Whether he starts, we’ll decide tomorrow.”
The 24-year-old has missed several key fixtures over the past two months, though he was named on the bench during last weekend’s narrow 1-0 victory over Wolves. With the campaign entering its final stretch, his return adds firepower at a critical time.
City currently sit third in the Premier League table, three points ahead of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies. This season, a top-five finish secures a spot in Europe’s elite competition, and with just three league matches remaining, there’s little room for error.
Following the trip to Southampton, City will turn their focus to a huge FA Cup final showdown against Crystal Palace at Wembley on May 17. The league campaign will then wrap up with matches against Bournemouth and Fulham — both must-win games as City aim to finish strongly.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Haaland gave an honest assessment of City’s campaign, following a period of unprecedented domestic dominance. “We haven’t had fully the hunger inside us,” he admitted. “I haven’t been good enough. I haven’t helped the team enough.”
Guardiola, asked about the striker’s comments, responded: “If it’s a feeling for Erling, the players should talk to each other and ask themselves why.”
Despite his recent absence, Haaland remains City's top scorer with 21 Premier League goals from 28 appearances. He’s scored 30 in 40 across all competitions this season, also adding four assists. No other City player has hit double figures in the league.
