Erling Haaland has trained with the Manchester City squad ahead of Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League clash with Young Boys. The striker was substituted at half-time of City’s 6-1 win over Bournemouth with a twisted ankle.
There were doubts about Haaland’s availability for the match against the Swiss champions. But it appears that City’s number 9 will be available for selection. He was pictured training with the City squad as they prepare for Young Boys. It is good news for Manchester City with a trip to London to face Chelsea following Tuesday’s game.
Pep Guardiola was asked about Erling Haaland’s availability in his pre-game press conference ahead of the Young Boys game. He wasn’t sure at the time if Haaland would be available. He told the media: “I can’t (give an update]. We train this afternoon, so I don’t know. I speak with the doctor and him. He told me he felt better, but I don’t know.”
The City manager added he’d take the club doctor’s advice before deciding whether Haaland would feature or not. He added: “Tomorrow I will listen to doctor. If he says he doesn’t have pain, I will consider letting him play. There are lots of days to recover. Right now, if Erling doesn’t play, Julian (Alvarez )is going to play there.”
Manchester City’s clash with Young Boys does present an opportunity for the European champions to seal their passage to the knockout stage of the Champions League. It will be a boost if Erling Haaland is available for the treble winners. All attention will shift to the starting lineups when they are announced before kick-off to see if Haaland does feature for City or is given the game off.