Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his concerns over the fitness of forward Erling Haaland, stating that the player is still not fit enough to train with his teammates. Haaland has missed City’s last six games across all competitions, and Guardiola has admitted that the player’s recent foot injury is taking longer to recover from than initially anticipated. Despite being pictured kicking a ball during a training session in Saudi Arabia, Haaland’s return to the first team seems uncertain. Guardiola confirmed that while the player is training alone, he has not yet joined the team for full training sessions. The City boss expressed hope of Haaland’s return in January but highlighted the painful nature of stress on the bone, especially for a player of his immense physicality. Ultimately, the decision will lie with the doctors who assess his progress on a daily basis.
While Haaland’s return seems uncertain, Guardiola offered some positive news regarding the recovery of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne suffered a serious hamstring injury in the opening game of the season and has been out of action since. However, he has been training with the team and the City manager believes he is closing in on a return to competitive football. Guardiola even mentioned the possibility of De Bruyne featuring in the FA Cup third-round tie against Huddersfield Town on January 6. However, he emphasized the importance of caution and ensuring that De Bruyne’s fitness is properly managed to prevent any setbacks.
In City’s recent victory over Everton, defender John Stones had to be substituted in the first half due to an ankle problem. Guardiola admitted that it is too early to assess the full extent of the damage, leaving City fans anxious about the possible length of his absence. Stones has been a key figure in City’s defensive line this season, and losing him could be a significant blow to their title ambitions. Guardiola and the medical team will closely monitor Stones’ injury and provide updates as the situation progresses.
Despite the victory against Everton, Guardiola acknowledged that City has experienced a dip in form recently. Winning just one out of their previous six league games before the Everton match, City finds themselves five points behind league leaders Liverpool. However, Guardiola believes that the team has emerged from their slump and is ready to challenge for the title once again. He expressed satisfaction with the way they are currently playing and highlighted the players’ hunger for success. Guardiola remained optimistic about the upcoming fixtures and stressed the importance of maintaining fitness throughout the season.
Erling Haaland’s prolonged absence due to injury remains a concern for Manchester City, as the forward continues to struggle with his recovery. On the other hand, the potential return of Kevin De Bruyne offers a glimmer of hope for the team. The ankle injury suffered by John Stones adds to City’s injury worries. Guardiola remains positive about his team’s form and aspirations for the title, but acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. As City progresses through the season, careful management of injuries and maintaining high fitness levels will be crucial for their success.