Manchester City have been given a huge boost ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal after Erling Haaland trained with the rest of the squad on Monday.
Haaland limped out of the win over Aston Villa at half-time with a thigh injury on Sunday, raising fears over his fitness for Wednesday night’s encounter between leaders Arsenal and second-placed City at the Emirates.
Manager Pep Guardiola said that his 31-goal top scorer would be assessed after Haaland was replaced by Julian Alvarez at the interval following a collision with Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Monday’s workout at the CFA was only a recovery session, but the fact that Haaland was able to join his team-mates out on the grass was seen as a clear sign that he is likely to be fit to face the Gunners.
The prolific Norway striker was pictured in training photos on the club website, and sources also said that he has fulfilled his media commitments ahead of the game.
Losing Haaland would have been a massive blow to City’s hopes of securing the victory that will take them to the top of the table above Arsenal on goal difference, albeit having played a game more.
Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said: ‘It is probably going to be one of the toughest games we have played in recent years. But we are ready to go on Wednesday – that is the target.
‘We will travel to London to try to win the game and get the three points, even though we know it is going to be hard.
‘We are playing against the best side in England so far this season, but they are a side that we know very well. We expect football on the highest level, and we are all looking forward to it.’
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
