That concern came after he had made four appearances for Norway over the international break and started all three of City’s matches since.
And he has doubled down again, saying the formidable forward, now nicely rested, is ready to go at Villa Park.
"Erling is the only one 100 per cent available,” he confirmed on Thursday.
Good news: Enzo Maresca
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Kovacic is carrying a knock, while Nunes and O’Reilly are both dealing with niggles. None of the trio were in the matchday squad against AEK.
And speaking on Thursday, Maresca confirmed he did not yet know when they might be able to return.
“We have a session this afternoon,” he explained. “They can be all available or not. Yesterday they were all improving, and we'll see this afternoon.”
He issued a further team news hint, however, as he suggested Haaland, Foden and Ryaan Cherki could all start alongside each other: “It depends a little bit on the game plan. I think they can play all together, yeah.”
Antoine Semenyo is facing months on the sidelines with a knee injury.