Pep Guardiola has eased Manchester City fears by confirming Erling Haaland is fit to face Burnley despite a recent back issue. The Norwegian striker, who limped off in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal and missed the midweek Carabao Cup clash, trained with the squad on Thursday, giving a major boost for City’s attack.
'He is ready' – Guardiola gives major update
City boss Guardiola has confirmed that Norwegian international Haaland will be available for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Burnley. Haaland was withdrawn after 76 minutes in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Arsenal with discomfort in his back, sparking fears of a lay-off. The 25-year-old also missed City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup victory against Huddersfield Town in midweek. However, Guardiola gave a concise but decisive update in his pre-match press conference, stating: “He is ready.”
AdvertisementHaaland's form continues
Despite City managing just two wins from their opening five league games, leaving them eight points behind leaders Liverpool, Haaland remains prolific. The Norwegian has scored seven goals in his first six appearances for the club this season, including the opener at the Emirates. Since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, he has scored 91 goals in 104 Premier League appearances, including a record-breaking 36-goal haul in his debut campaign that helped City clinch a historic Treble.
Haaland has also continued to shine on the European stage, the City striker recently set a new benchmark in the Champions League, becoming the fastest player in history to hit 50 goals. He reached the milestone in only 49 appearances, surpassing Ruud van Nistelrooy’s long-standing record of 62 matches, with his latest strike coming in the 2-0 victory over Napoli.
Guardiola provides another injury update
While Haaland’s return, Guardiola also offered a wider squad update, Omar Marmoush remains sidelined with a knee injury, while both Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri are unavailable. Defender Abdukodir Khusanov is also nursing an ankle problem. There was more optimism regarding midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who has not featured since last season following surgery.
AFPKyle Walker returns to Etihad for City's upcoming challenge
Saturday’s match also carries extra significance with the return of Kyle Walker, who will face City for the first time since his January exit to Burnley. The 35-year-old right-back made 317 appearances for City across eight years, winning 17 trophies including six Premier League titles. Guardiola paid tribute to his former captain, “one of the greatest full-backs ever,” City boss said.
City’s ninth-place start to the Premier League season leaves little margin for error heading into a busy schedule. After Burnley, Guardiola’s side face Monaco in the Champions League before a league meeting with Brentford. With several first-team players still sidelined, Haaland’s availability is a major relief as City look to regain momentum. The striker’s fitness could prove decisive in narrowing the gap to Liverpool at the top of the table.