Pep Guardiola has confirmed Erling Haaland is fit for Manchester City’s Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth after an injury scare.
The Norway international picked up a knock when sliding in and colliding with the back post during City’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last week.
Haaland’s injury saw him miss the 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Swansea on Wednesday but he has now recovered in time for City’s next fixture.
‘Yeah, [Haaland is fit],’ Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference on Friday about the striker, who has scored 11 top-flight goals in nine games.
The update comes after Guardiola admitted on Wednesday that he ‘didn’t know’ if Haaland would recover in time to face the Cherries at the Etihad.
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On Tuesday, meanwhile, the City boss added: ‘It was a knock. Day by day, it is [getting] better.’
Guardiola has also revealed that Rodri is set to make his return from injury against Bournemouth after missing the last four games across all competitions with a hamstring problem.
‘I think he [Rodri] will be ready to help,’ Guardiola said about the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
‘I don’t know if he will be able to play from the beginning, but hopefully he can be with us.’
Guardiola hails ‘extraordinary’ Antoine Semenyo
City are fifth in the Premier League table heading into their clash against Bournemouth, with the Cherries above Guardiola’s team in second.
Antoine Semenyo has been one of the south coast club’s most impressive players this term with six goals and three assists across nine matches.
‘The way Bournemouth play suits him perfectly – he is an extraordinary player,’ Guardiola said when quizzed about Semenyo.
‘[Bournemouth are] a consistent team and a fantastic team, manager, players. A tough opponent.’
Guardiola lauds Phil Foden ahead of 200th game
Phil Foden is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance when City host Bournemouth on Sunday.
‘It’s an honour for me to have seen these 200 games close to him, and the impact he has done for us – the club of his heart,’ Guardiola continued when asked about the 25-year-old England international.
‘It’s a good milestone, especially at his age.’