Erling Haaland: Pep Guardiola reveals latest fitness update on Man City striker before Bournemouth clash

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·31 ottobre 2025

Erling Haaland: Pep Guardiola reveals latest fitness update on Man City striker before Bournemouth clash

Pep Guardiola reveals positive news on Rodri return before visit from high-flying Cherries

Erling Haaland will be fit to line up for Manchester City against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.

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Injury fears over the prolific Norwegian striker were sparked last weekend when he suffered a knock during the 1-0 loss at Aston Villa, where he played the full 90 minutes.

Haaland missed out completely in South Wales on Wednesday night as City came from behind to beat Championship side Swansea 3-1 and reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, though he was then pictured taking part in training on Thursday.

The runaway Golden Boot favourite will be ready for Sunday’s crunch clash with high-flying Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, while Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri could also play some part against the Cherries after missing the last four games across all competitions with a hamstring injury.

“Yeah, [Haaland is fit],” City boss Pep Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

“I think he [Rodri] will be ready to help. I don't know if he will be able to play from the beginning, but hopefully he can be with us.”

On how desperate Rodri is to play after also missing most of last season following knee surgery, Guardiola added: “And 18 more players too. Everybody is desperate to play. He has been out a few times and we all know how important he is for us.”

With key duo Haaland and Rodri both expected to play, and the likes of Abdukodir Khusanov also now back in action, City appear to have a fully-fit squad available to face Bournemouth, who head into the weekend sitting second behind leaders Arsenal in the early Premier League table after a remarkable run of form under highly-rated head coach Andoni Iraola.

City, meanwhile, sit behind Tottenham and another surprise package in promoted Sunderland in fifth, two points adrift of their next opponents after Matty Cash’s first-half winning goal for Villa last weekend ended their nine-game unbeaten run.

Phil Foden could be in line to make his 200th City appearance against Bournemouth aged 25, with Guardiola paying heartfelt tribute to the England midfielder ahead of that significant milestone.

“It has been an honour for me to see these 200 games and the impact he has made for us and the club of his heart,” he said. “It is a good milestone, especially for his age.”

Antoine Semenyo will once again pose among the biggest threats for Bournemouth at the Etihad, with the Ghana forward’s sparkling form certainly not going unnoticed by Guardiola.

“It is not just this season,” he said. “The way Bournemouth play suits him perfectly. He is an extraordinary player.”