It is of utmost importance for Erling Haaland to be fit for Manchester City’s opening game of the 2025/2026 season against Wolves.
Rodri returned to training on Monday but there remain question marks over whether he will be fit enough to be named in City’s starting line-up against Vitor Pereira’s side.
Manchester City fans will be hoping that both the midfield maestro and Erling Haaland start at the Molineux Stadium, as the pair are arguably their two best and most important players.
Pep Guardiola wants more from Haaland next season both on and off the pitch and he will be looking to start the season off with a bang.
Erling Haaland with his arms raised during Fulham v Manchester City.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Nathan Ake’s tackle on Erling Haaland in training left Man City striker wincing
With Manchester City set to play Palermo on Sunday, it will be interesting to see whether Pep Guardiola starts Haaland.
During City’s open training session at the Joie Stadium, the Norwegian international was involved.
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Nathan Ake took Haaland out in training with a crunching tackle, leading Pep Guardiola to jokingly gesture that the Dutchman’s challenge deserved a sending off, via a video shared by Beanyman Sports.
However, the 25-year-old was wincing in pain as Ake, who Manchester City signed for £41 million went to see if his teammate was fine before putting his arm around the striker’s shoulder.
Erling Haaland’s injury status
If the two-time Premier League winner had suffered a serious injury, the former Chelsea defender would have been slated by supporters as he went in quite hard during a small-sided game.
However, Ake would have been relieved to see Haaland get back up to his feet and resume training.
Last season, Pep Guardiola’s side suffered excessive injuries, which played a massive part in their struggles.
In the upcoming campaign, Guardiola will be hoping that his squad is durable as ultimately, a lack of availability can damage City’s hopes of accomplishing anything substantial.