Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered an upbeat message about the fitness of key members of his squad, confirming that leading striker ‘Erling Haaland will be back’ as the club prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.
The Cityzens have rediscovered their rhythm at a pivotal stage of the season. A sequence of six successive victories in all competitions has kept them firmly in contention on four fronts, with progress secured in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup and the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League.
That surge in form marks a notable shift from the early weeks of 2026, when City struggled to convert promising positions into wins. Draws against Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur, after surrendering leads, had briefly slowed their momentum and invited scrutiny.
Now, however, there is renewed belief at the Etihad Stadium that the squad are peaking at the right time.
City’s revival has not happened by chance. January arrivals have settled swiftly, while the return of experienced defenders has strengthened a back line that had been stretched earlier in the campaign.
Just as significantly, Guardiola’s side have begun to show greater composure in front of goal, turning tight matches in their favour.
Saturday’s hard-fought win at Elland Road underlined that resilience. It was not a dominant display, but it was a professional one — the type often required in the closing months of a season.
Reflecting on the narrow victory and the broader context of his team’s performance level, Guardiola was candid in his assessment.
“We didn’t have much, but from there we built up; some players are coming back, Jeremy (Doku) is back, Erling (Haaland) will be back. And as much as you have players fit, we will do it,” Guardiola declares.
“That team (Leeds United) drew in Stamford Bridge, right? And that team drew in the 88th minute when it was 0-1 at Aston Villa – two teams in the Champions League.”
The manager’s confidence appears rooted in the growing availability of his squad. Winger Jeremy Doku’s return offers renewed attacking thrust, while Haaland’s anticipated comeback promises to restore one of the division’s most prolific goal threats.
Haaland boost ahead of Forest test
Attention now turns to Wednesday night, when Nottingham Forest visit the Etihad. Guardiola is hopeful that Haaland will be ready to feature, a development that could significantly enhance City’s cutting edge.
The Norwegian forward’s physical presence and clinical finishing have often been decisive in tightly contested matches. His absence has been managed through collective effort, yet there is little doubt that his return would lift both performance levels and morale.
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There remains, however, some uncertainty elsewhere. Young midfielder Nico O’Reilly is facing a race to prove his fitness after being forced off with an ankle issue against Leeds. Guardiola will weigh his options carefully, mindful of the congested calendar that lies ahead.
With a place secured in the latter stages of multiple competitions, squad rotation and injury management will be critical.
City’s ambitions extend beyond domestic honours; progression in Europe remains a central objective, and maintaining intensity across all tournaments demands both quality and depth.
