Erling Haaland injury update as Pep Guardiola weighs up Man City decision

06 November 2023 , 16:14

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Erling Haaland suffered an injury against Bournemouth (Image: Matt West/REX/Shutterstock)

Erling Haaland handed Manchester City a major boost after returning to training following an injury scare.

Haaland took part in City's training session ahead of Tuesday's Champions League game against Young Boys at the Etihad Stadium.

Star striker Haaland - who has 13 goals this season - struggled with an ankle problem during City's 6-1 win over Bournemouth at the weekend and did not emerge for the second half.

But the Norwegian striker trained with the rest of the City squad yesterday and is available for tonight, with Pep Guardiola's side needing a point to qualify for the knockout stage.

Despite Haaland's availability, Guardiola may still choose to rest his leading goalscorer, ahead of City's Premier League trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

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Julian Alvarez could lead City's attack if Haaland is rested, with Guardiola saying: “I like Julian arriving as a striker. If Erling doesn’t play, Julian is going to play there.”

On the prospect of City reaching the last 16 for the 11 successive season, Guardiola said: “We have to try to finish it. Of course, we'll have two more opportunities, but when you have the chance to finish and qualify for the next stage in February it means a lot for the club and the staff.

“Qualifying for many years is such a success for the club and being there is such a success. It’s really, really good.”

David McDonnell