Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola provides a fitness update on Erling Haaland ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Sporting Lisbon.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a positive update on Erling Haaland‘s fitness ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon.
The Citizens will travel to the Estadio Jose Alvalade with hopes of producing a positive response after experiencing a couple of disappointing results.
Guardiola’s side were eliminated from the EFL Cup in last Wednesday’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur, before they suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat in Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth.
Ahead of their trip to the Portuguese capital, Man City were given an injury scare when Haaland went to the ground holding his shin in Monday’s training session.
Despite the scare, the Citizens confirmed that Haaland was one of the 22 players included in the travelling party for Tuesday’s fixture.
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Guardiola delivers positive Haaland update
Guardiola has now dismissed any fears over Haaland’s fitness, stating that the Norwegian is available for the upcoming Champions League fixture.
“He’s fine,” Guardiola told reporters. “We have to occupy the news for 24 hours, we have to make the news as much as possible. That’s the reason why.”
With Haaland available for selection, he is expected to lead the line for Man City as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to the Champions League campaign.
The 24-year-old will be looking to score in a third consecutive European match after finding the net against Slovan Bratislava and scoring a brace against Sparta Prague.
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Man City’s injury crisis continues
While Haaland may be fit, Guardiola is still having to contend with a number of fitness issues ahead of matchday four of the Champions League league phase.
Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku and Savinho are not 100% fit despite being included in Tuesday’s squad.
“Manu and Nathan are still with problems,” Guardiola added. “Kevin is getting better, he’s having sessions with less and less pain, so we feel that he feels more comfortable. That is good news for all of us.
“Kyle as well has had problems with his knee since he was with the national team. Doku has had a little problem with muscular issues, Savinho is getting better with his ankle. The rest are fine.”
The Man City boss is currently without John Stones, Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish, Oscar Bobb and Rodri due to injury.
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