Pep Guardiola has revealed when Erling Haaland will return as he is yet to train with the team as he recovers from his recent foot injury.
The Norwegian has now missed the last six games in all competitions for Manchester City, including the 3-1 win over Everton at the Goodison Park.
Nevertheless, Haaland was seen kicking a ball during City’s trip to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup last week. However, he is not close to a first-team return.
Guardiola gives update on Haaland and De Bruyne’s injury
When explaining Haaland’s latest recovery timeframe, Guardiola said the fixture schedule made it difficult to reintegrate the striker to training. Moreover, he will miss the game against Sheffield United on Saturday.
“Still he’s not with the team. He feels better with his bone but he hasn’t made one training session with us,” said Guardiola.
“We hope he will be back in January, but a stress on the bone is so painful. He is not like a guy like Phil Foden with smaller skin, Erling is huge.
“He will be back and play. But it is up to the doctors. The doctors come every morning and say this player is available and this is not.”
Kevin De Bruyne has not played a game since suffering a hamstring injury against Burnley on matchday 1. However, Guardiola has confirmed that he is close to a return an can play in the FA Cup third-round tie at home to Huddersfield Town on Jan 6.
“Yeah he is close,” Guardiola said. “Today he had fatigue. We have to be careful. He is training with us and he is so positive. Soon he will be back.
“I would love[him] to play the next game or Huddersfield, but it is important to keep fit for a long time.”
John Stones suffers another injury
The Treble winners suffered another injury blow against Everton as John Stones was forced off in the first half with an ankle problem. Guardiola said it is too early to assess the full extent of the damage.
Despite winning just one game in their last six league games before the trip to Everton, they are just five points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.
