“Apparently” – Pep Guardiola reveals major Erling Haaland fitness update ahead of Burnley clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a significant update on the fitness of Erling Haaland ahead of this week’s Premier League clash.

The Norway international striker has been ruled out of action for Manchester City since late November, and missed the entirety of the club’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia despite training in the middle-east individually.

Haaland appeared to have recovered from a bone stress injury and minor fracture in his foot in early January, however a minor setback during training forced medical staff to insist on the 23-year-old spending more time away from the pitch.

Since then however, Haaland has not felt any pain in the problem area of his foot, and has trained as normal with the rest of the squad and is now on course for a steady reintegration into Manchester City’s competitive matchday set-up.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Manchester City’s final Premier League clash of January, Pep Guardiola has confirmed the return of Erling Haaland to his matchday squads following a lengthy lay-off with injury.

When quizzed for an update on Haaland and whether he will be available for selection this week, Pep Guardiola responded, “Apparently will be selected, yeah. It’s the first time he’s back.”

Julian Alvarez has led the line for Manchester City in the absence of their number 9, after spending the most part of the season operating in an attacking midfield role with Kevin De Bruyne ruled out through recovery from hamstring surgery.

However, with Haaland and De Bruyne’s returns to action in the coming days, the question remains as to whether Alvarez will be able to retain a role in Pep Guardiola’s squad, in yet another position.

Manchester City welcome Burnley to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night as they look to keep up the pressure on the current league leaders Liverpool, who are likely to be urged on even further for success this season following Jurgen Klopp’s shock announcement of an exit from Anfield at the end of the campaign.