Haaland Returns as Guardiola Eyes Champions League Qualification

TDT | Manama

Email: hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Manchester City have received a major boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Southampton, as star striker Erling Haaland is back in contention after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him for nearly six weeks.

Haaland, who has scored 21 league goals this season, remains in the race for the Golden Boot, although he currently trails Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (28) and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak (23).

“(Haaland) is ready, he's fit,” confirmed manager Pep Guardiola on Friday. “If he starts, we decide on Saturday.”

City currently sit third in the league table, one point ahead of Newcastle and three behind second-placed Arsenal, with three matches remaining. Guardiola stressed the importance of securing a Champions League spot, describing the final stretch as “massively important.”

City will be without Rodri, while Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake have returned to training but are still unavailable. Despite Southampton’s position at the bottom of the table and their confirmed relegation, Guardiola urged caution.

“We start 0-0 and it is a massive important game for us. Huge respect for them,” he said. “If we win our last three, we’ll be in the Champions League next season. It’s in our hands.”

City, on a run of four straight league wins, are also in the FA Cup final but Guardiola remains focused on the immediate challenge: “It’s just Southampton that’s on my mind.”