Double injury boost for Manchester City ahead of crucial Bournemouth clash | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that both Erling Haaland and Rodri are expected to be available for Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth this weekend.

Haaland missed City’s midweek Carabao Cup trip to Swansea after picking up a knock late in last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa, but the striker has been passed fit to feature. Asked whether Haaland would be ready to face Bournemouth, Guardiola said: “Yeah.”

Rodri, meanwhile, has not played since the win over Brentford before the October international break.

Guardiola believes the midfielder will be involved in the matchday squad, although it remains unclear whether he will start. “I think he’ll be ready to help, I don’t know if from the beginning but hopefully he can be with us,” Guardiola explained. “He’s been out a few times and we know how important he is for us.”

City will be aiming to respond after last weekend’s defeat as they welcome Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth to the Etihad. The Cherries have made an impressive start to the season and went into the weekend sitting second in the Premier League with 18 points from nine games.

Guardiola praised Bournemouth’s progress under Iraola, describing them as a consistent and well-organised side. When asked how far the south coast team can go this season, he said: “That’s a question for Iraola. It’s just nine games, but also in previous seasons they’ve been consistent. The team, manager, players. They are a tough opponent, but we know that.”

City have won all eight previous Premier League meetings against Bournemouth at the Etihad, scoring 31 goals and conceding just five.