Man City set to welcome back Haaland for Burnley clash

Andy Hampson
Press Association
Erling Haaland is set to return for Manchester City
Erling Haaland is set to return for Manchester City

Erling Haaland is set to return for Manchester City as the champions host struggling Burnley in the Premier League tomorrow.

The prolific Norwegian striker has been out of action for almost two months with a foot injury, his first significant lay-off since joining City.

The 23-year-old scored 52 goals last season in a remarkable first campaign with the club and had already netted 19 this term when he sustained the injury in early December.

He returned to training earlier this month and is now at least likely to be included in the matchday squad to face the Clarets.

Manager Pep Guardiola said: "Apparently he will be [available to be] selected. For the first time he is back.

"When we have all the squad we are stronger, definitely, and Erling is an important player for us.

"He has been two months out, it is a long time, but he feels good. We have to train this afternoon but apparently tomorrow he will be with all of us."

Guardiola made clear that he would not be stripping Kyle Walker of the captaincy following revelations about the England defender's private life.

Walker was nominated as skipper earlier this season following a vote by the squad. 

And the City boss refused to comment any further on the matters concerning his full-back.

Guardiola said: "Absolutely [he will remain captain] because it's a decision for the team and not mine.

"I'm not going to talk about that, not at all. I support him and [wife] Annie and his family and I don't talk one word about personal issues of my players."

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Manchester CityErling HaalandPremier League