Pep Guardiola has revealed that Erling Haaland could be fit to face Nottingham Forest this weekend. The striker was absent from his side’s 4-0 victory over Brighton on Thursday night but looks set to return in time to play a crucial role in the title run-in.
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City were in devastating form at the Amex Stadium, opening the scoring after just 17 minutes through Kevin De Bruyne. Phil Foden then bagged a quick-fire brace before half-time to put the game to bed, with Julian Alvarez getting on the scoresheet in a one-paced second half.
The victory leaves Guardiola’s side just one point behind Arsenal in second place, though they do have a game in hand. With just five games left of their season, the Etihad Stadium can retain their title if they remain flawless.
Foden and De Bruyne have been pivotal for City in recent weeks, though the return of Haaland will only enhance their side’s chances of being named Premier League champions. The Norwegian international has not featured since City were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, missing the FA Cup semi-final and the clash with Brighton.
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Guardiola has been reluctant to set an exact date on when Haaland is set to return, though there was a twinkle in his eye when he told Sky Sports that his side will be strengthened by Haaland.
He explained: “I prefer to have Erling at my disposal than to have it (the squad without him). I spoke with him, and he says he feels better, I don't know.”
City did not appear to sustain any fresh injury problems up against Brighton, with De Bruyne, Foden, Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker and Rodri all being replaced with at least 10 minutes left on the clock to ensure that they are fit for this weekend’s trip to the City Ground.
Forest will be keen to make their mark on Sunday and have their say on the title race, fuelled by their anger at how VAR has treated them in recent times. Nuno Espirito’s side sit just one point above the relegation zone and will be hoping that Luton Town continue their losing run for the remainder of the campaign. On paper, Forest have the easier run-in, though a crushing defeat at the hands of City would certainly damage morale at a key point in the campaign.
