Erling Haaland is set to return to training with the Manchester City squad on Thursday. City’s number 9 missed last weekend’s win over Luton Town due to a foot injury. Pep Guardiola had a positive update on City’s star strikers fitness ahead of Wednesday evening’s clash with Red Star Belgrade.
Guardiola was asked if Haaland had trained this week during his pre game press conference. He also told the media he’d have more information about the striker’s condition when he fronts the media on Friday. Guardiola said: “No. He’ll be back I think Thursday. We’ll see how he feels. I don’t know (if he will play v Palace) right now. Next press conference I could be more precise about his conditions.”
PEP 💬 (On Haaland injury update) He’ll be back I think on Thursday. We’ll see how he feels. pic.twitter.com/bF5HPKCkQU
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 12, 2023
Manchester City were without their top scorer for the 2-1 win over Luton Town last weekend. They picked up all three points at Kenilworth Road despite the absence of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker is the club’s top scorer this season with 19 goals in all competitions.
While the treble winners picked up all three points they did miss the presence of arguably the world’s best striker. Jack Grealish told the media following the win that City’s number 9 was missed against Luton Town. He said: “This is one game where we would have been desperate for him. When the other team goes man for man, Erling is brilliant. I don’t think there’s any team in the world who can handle him one against one.”
Following City’s game against Red Star attention will shift to Pep Guardiola’s press conference on Friday for an update on Erling Haaland. City plays Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday before heading to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup next week.