Erling Haaland is totally fit and will be ready for selection against Burnley on Wednesday, according to Pep Guardiola. Even though longtime rival Jurgen Klopp announced his intention to leave Liverpool in the summer, the Manchester City manager made it clear that he has no plans to leave the Etihad Stadium.
Since breaking a bone in his foot in December, Haaland has not participated in any competitive events. The prolific scorer has been absent from City’s last ten games in all competitions, including two difficult away journeys to Tottenham and Newcastle United.
Haaland is back to full fitness, according to Guardiola, and he will be in the starting lineup when Burnley visits the Etihad. “It seems he will be chosen, indeed,” the City manager stated during a meeting with the team’s physicians. “The first time he’s back.”
Despite missing nearly two months due to injury, Haaland is still tied for the most goals scored in the Premier League this season, having broken the record for the most goals in a single campaign last year with 36.
In addition, Manuel Akanji has returned to training following his recovery from a knee injury, so City will have a fully-fit roster to select from when they play the Clarets. The Sky Blues are under pressure to stay up with Liverpool, who lead the standings by five points despite having played one more game than them.
Last week, Klopp made the shocking revelation that he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season, shocking the Reds. The German mentioned the exhaustion that follows holding a high position for an extended period of time.
However, Guardiola has stated unequivocally that he does not want to take his Liverpool counterpart’s lead and leave. “I’ve said many times, I have everything a manager could dream of at Man City,” he stated.
“Everything is mine. We have a nice atmosphere, the players and the hierarchy are behind me. I still feel happy at Man City, and eventually it will come to an end, but for now I’m not dwelling on that.”
Guardiola extended his contract in November, which should keep him at Manchester United through the summer of 2025. However, the former head coach of Barcelona hinted that he would stay even longer.
With City, the 53-year-old led them to an incredible silverware treble last season. He has won five Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, a Club World Cup and the Champions League.