Erling Haaland returned to training on Wednesday, increasing his chances of being available for Manchester City’s festive fixtures.
The Norway striker has not played since sustaining a foot injury in the build-up to the win at Luton on December 10. He is with the City squad in Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup but won’t play in Friday’s final against Fluminense after being removed from the final 23-man squad.
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His return to the grass is a boost for Pep Guardiola with City’s next domestic fixture coming on December 27 when they meet in-form Everton at Goodison Park.
Kevin De Bruyne is also fighting to be fit for the trip to Merseyside after four months out with a hamstring injury.
👑 @KEVINDEBRUYNE is ice cold! 🥶 PIC.TWITTER.COM/0RLUS7HZHN
— Manchester City (@ManCity) DECEMBER 20, 2023
Speaking after Tuesday’s defeat of Urawa Reds in the Club World Cup semi-finals, Guardiola said: “Kevin started training yesterday and tomorrow he trains with us, it’s four months. He is getting better.”
City will head to Goodison 10 points off top spot if Liverpool win their next two league games – against Arsenal on Saturday and at Burnley on Boxing Day.