Haaland set for Man City return after two-month injury – Guardiola،
Pep Guardiola has confirmed Erling Haaland is fit to return for Manchester City against Burnley on Wednesday after almost two months out due to a foot injury.
Haaland has not played since the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on December 6. He returned to training during the trip to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup before Christmas.
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Haaland, 22, has scored 19 goals this season despite missing the last 10 games and is expected to return to the team against Burnley this week.
“It’s the first time he’s come back,” Guardiola said at a press conference on Tuesday.
“We have the whole team, we are stronger. He is an important player for us.”
Guardiola previously suggested midfielder Kevin De Bruyne would be a smooth return after a five-month absence due to a hamstring injury, but hinted Haaland could be ready to return straight to the team at the Etihad on Wednesday.
“Haaland was suffering from bone stress, so it’s a completely different approach, but step by step,” he said.
City face Burnley on the back of a seven-game winning run, including a 1-0 win over Tottenham in the FA Cup on Friday.
Guardiola's side sit five behind leaders Liverpool at the top of the Premier League as they head into the second half of the season in search of a record fourth consecutive title.
“It’s one game at a time,” Guardiola said.
“We made these [winning] works in the past because it was only one match. It's Burnley, Burnley, Burnley.
“It doesn’t matter what we have done in the past, but I am delighted that almost the whole team is fit. [Manuel Akanji] is back. He trained very well with no knee problems and John [Stones] Also.
“It's the best news for an important part of the season. Of course, with the FA Cup and the Champions League it's important to have everyone.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker will remain City captain despite revelations about the England defender's private life.
Walker gave a media interview explaining his actions and apologizing to his family. Guardiola said the 33-year-old would remain club captain.
