Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed optimism that star striker Erling Haaland can return to play before January ends. Guardiola provided the update on Haaland’s status after City’s 3-1 away victory against Everton on Wednesday.
According to Guardiola, Haaland is still unable to participate in team training sessions as he continues recovering from a foot injury. The 23-year-old Norwegian striker has missed City’s last six games across all competitions due to the injury issue.
When asked about Haaland, Guardiola stated that he “hopes” the prolific goal-scorer can make it back into the lineup by the end of January. However, he cautioned that Haaland’s return fully depends on how quickly his injured foot heals.
Haaland had made a blistering start to his debut season with Manchester City following a summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund. He has scored 31 goals in just 27 appearances across the Premier League and Champions League.
City will be eager to have their top attacking weapon back in the fold soon as they battle for silverware on multiple fronts. Guardiola and fans alike will hope Haaland can make a swift recovery to resume his prolific goal-scoring form.
Guardiola said: “[Haaland] is training alone but he is not training with the team.
“Kevin [De Bruyne] is training with the team, but Erling is not yet. It is a question of when the pain will disappear.
“We hope he will be back in January, but a stress on the bone is so painful. He is not like a guy like Phil Foden with smaller skin. Erling is huge.”
