Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed concerns over star striker Erling Haaland’s fitness ahead of their Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon.
Haaland, who was seen holding his shin and appearing in discomfort during an open training session on Monday, is reportedly in good shape.
Guardiola confirmed the 24-year-old’s condition after the team arrived in Portugal later that evening.
“He’s fine,” Guardiola said.
“We have to occupy the news for 24 hours, we have to make the news as much as possible.
“That’s the reason why.”
Man City fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Haaland is available, particularly as the team navigates a wave of injuries.
Key absentees for the match against Sporting Lisbon include John Stones, Jack Grealish, and Ruben Dias.
Additionally, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and Jeremy Doku are not at peak fitness.
Guardiola added: “Manu and Nathan are still with problems.
“Kevin is getting better, he’s having sessions with less and less pain, so we feel that he feels more comfortable. That is good news for all of us.”
“Kyle as well has had problems with his knee since he was with the national team.
“Doku has had a little problem with muscular issues, Savinho is getting better with his ankle.
“The rest are fine.”
Manchester City are determined to bounce back after experiencing recent setbacks, including a Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Tottenham and a Premier League defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday.
Pep Guardiola said: “I know our standards.
“We have to come back to winning games, of course, but we are early in November and many things are going to happen.”
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