Erling Haaland Returns from Injury for Manchester City's Match Against Southampton, Starting Role Uncertain
Erling Haaland is fit for Manchester City's match against Southampton after a five-week absence due to an ankle injury, but manager Pep Guardiola has not confirmed if he will start. Haaland was injured during an FA Cup match on March 30. Midfielder Rodri remains out with an ACL injury sustained in October. John Stones, Oscar Bobb, and Nathan Ake are also unavailable. Guardiola emphasized the importance of the Southampton match despite their relegation, as City aims to maintain their winning streak and secure Champions League qualification.
Haaland Returns After Five-Week Layoff
Erling Haaland has been declared fit by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola ahead of the club’s trip to face already-relegated Southampton. The Norwegian striker has not played since sustaining an ankle injury during City’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bournemouth on March 30. After weeks of rehabilitation and a gradual return to training, Haaland is now back in contention.
“He’s ready, he’s fit,” Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference on Friday. “Whether he starts, we’ll decide tomorrow.” The 24-year-old was an unused substitute in City’s recent win over Wolves, marking his first appearance in the matchday squad since the injury.
Haaland’s recovery was not without complications, with Guardiola previously noting that the process had not been straightforward. However, the club’s medical staff are now confident in his condition, and Guardiola acknowledged that the striker is physically prepared to take on more responsibility if called upon.
Rodri Still Absent as City Near Full Fitness
While Haaland’s return is a boost for City, the team will still be without key midfielder Rodri. The Spaniard has not featured since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in October during a match against Arsenal. Guardiola confirmed that Rodri remains unavailable and did not provide a timeline for his return.
“Rodri is still not available,” Guardiola stated. “Oscar [Bobb] and Nathan [Ake] started training with us partially but they are still not available.”
Rodri’s absence has been a significant challenge for City throughout the season, with the team forced to adapt in midfield. Despite this, Guardiola has praised the performances of other midfielders, including Mateo Kovacic, who has stepped up in recent weeks.
Squad Update: Stones, Bobb, and Ake Also Missing
In addition to Rodri, three other players will miss the Southampton match. John Stones has not returned to training, while Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake have only recently resumed partial training and are not yet match-fit.
The return of several players to training suggests that City’s injury list is beginning to ease, but Guardiola emphasized that the squad is not yet at full strength. The manager has been cautious in reintroducing players, particularly with the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace and the Club World Cup on the horizon.
Guardiola Focused Solely on Southampton
Despite Southampton’s relegation and their historically low points tally, Guardiola stressed the importance of the upcoming fixture and refused to look beyond it. “It starts at 0-0 and is a massively important game,” he said. “Three games left. We have respect for them.”
City are currently on a five-match winning streak in the Premier League and are pushing to secure Champions League qualification. With three league matches remaining, Guardiola is focused on maintaining momentum and ensuring his side finishes the season strongly.
The manager also dismissed any talk of goal difference or potential advantages over rivals, reiterating that his only concern is securing the necessary results.
Haaland’s Role Still Undecided
While Haaland is physically ready, Guardiola has not confirmed whether the striker will start against Southampton. The decision will be made closer to kickoff, depending on how the player responds in the final training sessions.
Haaland’s return comes at a crucial time for City, who are balancing domestic and international commitments. The striker’s presence, even from the bench, could provide a significant boost as the team navigates the final stretch of the season.
