Manchester City have been handed a timely boost ahead of a defining period in their season, as star striker Erling Haaland has returned to full training following an ankle injury sustained in March.
The 24-year-old Norwegian, who has netted an impressive 39 goals in all competitions for club and country this season, picked up the knock during City’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bournemouth on 30 March. After weeks on an individual training programme, Haaland was seen rejoining first-team training at the club’s Etihad Campus on Wednesday.
City boss Pep Guardiola has yet to confirm Haaland’s availability for Friday’s Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but he is expected to provide an update during his scheduled pre-match press conference on Thursday.
Haaland’s return comes at a critical time for the reigning FA Cup champions, who currently sit fourth in the Premier League table. With only four matches left in the domestic campaign and a Cup final on the horizon, Guardiola’s side need all hands on deck as they look to salvage silverware from an otherwise underwhelming season.
Adding to the positive news, Spanish midfielder Rodri has also resumed first-team training, having been sidelined since September with a serious knee injury. The 28-year-old, who was named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last year, ruling him out of action for over six months.
Rodri, an instrumental figure in City’s midfield and widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in world football, was first spotted doing light training in February. His return to full team activities marks significant progress in his rehabilitation, though a competitive comeback remains unlikely in the immediate term.
Sources close to the club suggest that City are targeting the FIFA Club World Cup in June as a more realistic return window for the Spaniard. Despite Rodri’s eagerness to return to the pitch, Guardiola has reiterated that the final decision will rest with the club’s medical staff.
“Every training session he does with us, he does well,” Guardiola said last week. “Rodri wants [to play] but the doctor will have to say, ‘Pep, you have the green light to give him minutes.’ I want to rely on the doctors in that case.”
City’s Premier League campaign has fallen short of the heights of previous seasons. After winning the title four years in a row, they have relinquished their crown to newly confirmed champions Liverpool. However, the chance to lift the FA Cup remains a significant incentive, with a final showdown against Crystal Palace at Wembley scheduled for 17 May.
Before then, City face Wolves at the Etihad Stadium on Friday night, followed by key league fixtures against Tottenham, Fulham, and West Ham. With Champions League qualification still to be secured and the Cup final looming, Guardiola will be hoping that Haaland’s return can inject some much-needed firepower into the team.
The Norwegian’s form this season has been a rare bright spot in a campaign disrupted by injuries and inconsistency. Known for his lethal finishing and physical presence, Haaland’s return could prove pivotal in helping City end the season on a high note.
Fans will be watching closely as Guardiola addresses the media on Thursday, hoping for confirmation that their star forward is ready to lead the line once more.
Whether or not Haaland features against Wolves, his presence in training alone is a clear signal that Manchester City are regaining their strength at just the right moment.
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