New Delhi: Manchester City fans will have something to cheer about today as Erling Haaland is officially back ahead of their crucial Premier League fixture against Southampton. After spending nearly six weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury that he picked up in the FA Cup tie against Bournemouth, Haaland is once again fit and available for selection, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
While the Norwegian striker was an unused substitute in City’s narrow 1-0 win over Wolves last week, his return couldn’t come at a better time as City are fighting hard to secure a Champions League spot, currently sitting third in the table, just three points ahead of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest. With only three league games left, the pressure is on and having Haaland back could make all the difference.
Crunch time for City in Premier League and FA Cup
Speaking ahead of the Southampton clash, Pep Guardiola said: “He is ready, he is fit. Whether he starts, we’ll decide tomorrow.” The Spaniard knows the importance of this fixture as the race for Champions League places intensifies with Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest also in the hunt.
PEP 💬 (On Erling’s fitness) He’s ready. He’s ready, he’s fit. To start? We will decide tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/PWo7Dv7IAK
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 9, 2025
City will be hoping to make the most of Haaland’s return, not just for the league, but also with one eye on the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace at Wembley on May 17. Haaland, who has 21 goals in 28 league appearances this season, is still third in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot behind Mohamed Salah (28) and Alexander Isak (23). He has also contributed 30 goals in 40 games across all competitions this season, once again proving why he’s vital to City’s attack.
Guardiola’s reflections on a tough campaign
This season has been far from smooth sailing for Manchester City. After a remarkable run of four consecutive league titles, the team has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Guardiola openly admitted that this has been one of the most challenging campaigns of his managerial career. He confessed, “It’s the most difficult season emotionally. It’s more demanding when you don’t win.”
Even with the difficulties, Guardiola commended his squad for their resilience. “We were still there. Not at our best, but we didn’t give up,” he said, highlighting the mental strength his players showed despite a lacklustre run between October and December when City managed just one win in 13 matches.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Haaland also acknowledged that the team may have lacked the hunger that drove their previous successes. “We haven’t had fully the hunger inside us. I haven’t been good enough,” he admitted. Guardiola responded by encouraging players to reflect among themselves and find answers collectively.
What next?
Despite Southampton’s relegation and their position at the bottom of the table, Guardiola remains cautious. He said, “We start 0-0. It’s a massive game. Huge respect for them.” City knows that nothing can be taken for granted, especially with the stakes this high.
With three league matches to go against Southampton, Bournemouth, and Fulham City still have a shot at finishing second and capping off the season with silverware. But for now, Guardiola is keeping his focus narrow: “The only thing I’m thinking about is Southampton.”
And with Haaland now back in action, City may just have the firepower they need to finish strong.
Erling Haaland returns from injury as Manchester City push for a top-five finish and FA Cup glory in a tough season under Pep Guardiola. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
