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Erling Haaland returns from injury as Manchester City push for Champions League qualification and FA Cup glory in season’s final stretch.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is set to return to action this weekend after recovering from the ankle injury that sidelined him in March.
The Norwegian forward picked up the knock during an FA Cup tie against Bournemouth, but now returns at a key moment as City aim to secure Champions League qualification and lift silverware before the season ends.
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With City preparing for a trip to Southampton on Saturday and a Wembley showdown in the FA Cup final later this month, Haaland’s comeback could be decisive in Pep Guardiola’s plans.
“He is ready, he is fit. [If he will] start, we will see tomorrow,” Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference on Friday as per BBC.
Erling Haaland’s Return Boosts City’s Top-Four Hopes
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City currently sit third in the Premier League table, three points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, with only three games remaining.
Haaland was an unused substitute in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Wolves, but his full return could give City the extra cutting edge they’ve lacked during his absence.
Despite injuries interrupting his season, Haaland has netted 21 league goals in 28 appearances, making him City’s only player to reach double digits in the competition. Overall, he has 30 goals in 40 matches across all competitions in 2024–25, further highlighting his importance to Guardiola’s side.
His reintroduction could also be a key move for fantasy football managers, with many contemplating whether to captain him in the closing weeks of the season.
Erling Haaland Admits Lack of “Hunger” in City Squad
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In a revealing interview with ESPN earlier this week, Haaland offered a brutally honest assessment of City’s underwhelming campaign following four consecutive Premier League titles.
“You can find excuses, injuries, many injuries at bad times, but in the end we haven't been performing well enough,” Haaland said.
“We haven't had fully the hunger inside us. I haven't been good enough. I haven't helped the team enough. In the end, we haven't been good enough.”
When asked about Haaland’s comments, Guardiola did not dismiss the sentiment and instead encouraged his players to reflect.
“If it's a feeling for Erling, the players should talk to each other and ask themselves why,” Guardiola responded.
Erling Haaland Eyes Golden Boot Challenge with Salah
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Though currently trailing Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah by seven goals in the Premier League Golden Boot race, Haaland still has time to close the gap. With matches remaining against Southampton, Bournemouth, and Fulham, he will be eager to end the season strongly — especially with individual accolades on the line.
Having won the Golden Boot in both of his previous seasons in England, Haaland is no stranger to late-season scoring bursts.
Even if he falls short this time, his presence alone will be vital in helping City chase a top-five finish and a final piece of silverware at Wembley.
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