Erling Haaland has already been ruled out of Manchester City’s Champions League meeting with Sevilla on Wednesday evening due to a ligament injury, but Pep Guardiola said his return might not be too far away.
The 22-year-old picked up the knock in last Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Borussia Dortmund and missed Saturday’s 1-0 win over Leicester City, but he could be back in time to face Fulham on Saturday, according to Pep.
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He said in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference: “Every day he is feeling better. Hopefully he will be back for Fulham.” Haaland has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 22 goals with three assists, so City will be desperate to have him back.
The Norwegian international has scored 45% (5) of their Champions League goals (11) even though he’s only played 250 minutes from a possible 450 in Europe (55%). Haaland doesn’t need to be risked against Sevilla, as City have already booked their place in the knockout round as group winners.
Wednesday’s result is largely irrelevant and Guardiola has already revealed he’ll ring the changes from the side that beat Leicester, so Haaland would likely have been rested.
Whether he’s in a position to start just days later remains to be seen, however, as Guardiola won’t want to risk worsening his injury. City will be big favourites to beat Fulham at home and shouldn’t need their top goalscorer to get a result.
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