Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that striker Erling Haaland is fully fit for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
The Norwegian forward was rested during City’s midweek European fixture against AEK Athens as a precaution following a knock sustained in the recent encounter with Ipswich.
However, Maresca has dismissed concerns about Haaland’s availability, confirming that the striker is ready to return as the champions look to extend their perfect start to the Premier League season.
The City boss also provided an update on Nico O’Reilly, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic, who remain doubtful for the trip to Villa Park.
“We have a session this afternoon.
“They could all be available or not. They are still doubts. Yesterday they were all improving and we will see this afternoon.
“Erling is the only one who is 100 per cent available and the other three we need to wait on today’s session,” Maresca said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
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The fitness of the three midfielders will be assessed during the final training session, with their availability expected to influence Maresca’s options for the encounter.
City will also be without Antoine Semenyo, who is expected to miss approximately eight weeks after sustaining a knee injury against Ipswich.
The absence of the forward leaves a gap in the club’s attacking options, increasing the importance of other players maintaining their contributions in front of goal.
Phil Foden has already demonstrated his ability to step up, scoring a hat-trick in City’s midweek victory over AEK Athens.
Maresca will look to the England international’s creativity and finishing as City continue their campaign without Semenyo.
The champions head into the Villa Park fixture having won their opening seven Premier League matches, giving them a three-point lead at the top of the table.
Arsenal remain close behind and are scheduled to face Everton later on Saturday, adding further importance to City’s pursuit of another victory.
Despite the injury concerns, Maresca said his team remained in positive spirits and hungry to continue winning.
“The mood is very good, we are happy with our start but we are hungry for more wins,” he explained.
“Happy at the moment but we want more. We are happy with our start but we want more so we are going to try to prepare to win Saturday’s game.”
With Haaland available and three other players facing late fitness tests, City will aim to maintain their perfect league record against an Aston Villa side managed by Unai Emery.
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