Published On: Wed, Jan 31st, 2024

Pep Guardiola confirms Erling Haaland return and gives clear verdict on quitting Man City | Football | Sport


Haaland has been out of competitive action since fracturing a bone in his foot in December. The prolific striker has missed all of City’s last 10 games across all competitions, including tough trips to Newcastle United and Tottenham.

Guardiola has now made it public that Haaland is match fit again, and he will be in the squad when Burnley visit the Etihad. “Apparently he will be selected, yeah,” said the City boss after consulting with club doctors. “The first time he’s back.”

Haaland smashed the record for a single campaign by notching 36 Premier League goals last season, and he remains the joint top-scorer this term despite missing almost two months through injury.

Guardiola also confirmed that Manuel Akanji was back in training after recovering from a knee issue, meaning City have a fully fit squad to choose from against the Clarets. The Sky Blues are under pressure to keep pace with table-toppers Liverpool, who sit five points ahead but have played a game more.

The Reds were rocked by a bombshell announcement last week, with Klopp revealing that he will leave Anfield at the end of the season. The German spoke of the fatigue that comes with occupying a top job for so many years.

Guardiola signed a contract extension in November which should keep him in Manchester until the summer of 2025, and the former Barcelona head coach suggested that he could stay for even longer.

The 53-year-old has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, a Club World Cup and the Champions League with City, leading them to a stunning silverware treble last season.



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