Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that striker Erling Haaland is showing clear signs of improvement after the injury that kept him out of the club’s recent win over Leeds United. Haaland, who missed that match as a precaution, is now in contention to feature against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, pending a final assessment from the club’s medical staff.
Guardiola indicated that Haaland “feels much better” following the setback and has progressed in his recovery to the point where he is under active consideration for selection. The manager did not disclose specific details about the nature of the injury or the exact extent of Haaland’s involvement in training, but his comments suggest the forward is moving closer to full fitness.
Manchester City managed without Haaland in the victory at Leeds, adjusting their attacking setup to compensate for the absence of their leading striker. The team’s ability to secure three points in his absence underlined the squad’s depth, yet Haaland’s potential return would provide a significant boost ahead of a busy period in the schedule.
A late fitness test is expected to determine whether Haaland can be included in the matchday squad to face Nottingham Forest. The medical team will monitor how he responds to recent training sessions and any lingering effects from the injury before making a final recommendation to Guardiola.
Guardiola’s update reflects a cautious but optimistic approach. The club appears unwilling to rush Haaland back too quickly, balancing the immediate benefit of his availability against the importance of maintaining his long-term fitness for the remainder of the season. Should he be cleared to play, decisions will still need to be made about whether he starts the match or is used from the bench, depending on his readiness and overall match sharpness.
While the precise timeline for Haaland’s complete return to peak condition remains unspecified, the indication that he “feels much better” marks a positive step for Manchester City as they prepare for the challenge of Nottingham Forest and look ahead to the fixtures to come.
