Pep Guardiola gives Erling Haaland injury update ahead of Man City vs Burnley

Erling Haaland has scoredhis back during Man City’s draw with Arsenal (Photo: Getty)

Pep Guadiola has shared an update on Erling Haaland’s back injury ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Burnley.

City welcome the Clarets to the Etihad on Saturday having won just two of their opening five league games, which has left them eight points behind top of the table Liverpool.

In spite of the results, Haaland is in top form, scoring 13 goals in eight appearances for club and country, including the opener in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal last weekend.

The striker was subbed off after 76 minutes at the Emirates and it was later revealed that the 25-year-old was dealing with a pain in his back.

He subsequently missed City’s Carabao Cup win at Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night, though Guardiola said he was hopeful his talisman would be fully fit to face Burnley.

And when asked about Haaland in his pre-match press conference on Friday, the manager simply replied: ‘He’s ready.’

Haaland’s availability means Guardiola avoids a selection headache, with his other centre-forward Omar Marmoush currently sidelined with a knee injury.

Erling Haaland hurt his back during Man City’s draw with Arsenal (Photo: Getty)

Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri are also in the treatment room as is Abdukodir Khusanov who was taken off at half-time at the Emirates with an ankle issue.

But in more positive news, the manager also revealed that Mateo Kovacic, who has not played since last season, might be fit enough to return to action against Burnley.

‘[It would help] a lot to have Kova back. It’s a long injury, surgery, but he is getting ready. He is not fully ready but step-by-step.’

Mateo Kovacic has not played since the end of last season (Photo: Getty)

Saturday’s clash will also mark former City captain Kyle Walker’s first return to the Etihad since leaving the club in January.

The England right-back was a key player for the Citizens for over seven years, before joining AC Milan on loan for the second-half of last season and then securing a permanent move to Turf Moor over the summer.

‘I’m pretty sure everybody will be happy to see him,’ Guardiola added.

‘It was an unbelievable few years for us and we was the right-back who defined our time here in the last nine or 10 years. I’m pretty sure he will get the gratitude of our fans.’

‘Absolutely he deserves it. [He is] one of the greatest full-backs ever.’

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