Erling Haaland Fitness Boost: Man City Striker Set to Return for Burnley Clash After Injury Scare
Pep Guardiola raised doubts over Erling Haaland’s availability, but fresh training images suggest the Manchester City striker will be fit to face Burnley this weekend.
Manchester City have provided a huge lift to their fans ahead of this weekend’s Premier League game against Burnley, after sharing a key update on star striker Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian forward has been City’s most reliable performer so far this season, scoring seven goals in just six matches across all competitions. He has been in especially hot form recently, finding the net in each of City’s last three outings against Manchester United, Napoli and Arsenal.
However, Haaland was absent from Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup third-round victory over Huddersfield, sparking concern about his fitness.
Speaking before the cup tie, Pep Guardiola admitted there were doubts over whether his top scorer would be available for Saturday’s trip to Turf Moor.
“[Haaland was in] recovery yesterday, he didn’t train,” Guardiola told reporters. “Today I didn’t see him or the rest of the players yet but hopefully he can be [back] for the next weekend.
“It’s been such a demanding week, the last game especially and sometimes the players have problems. But I think we will be fine next weekend, I hope so.”
Guardiola’s comments created uncertainty, but Manchester City appeared to calm nerves just a day later. On Thursday, the club posted images of Haaland back in training, strongly suggesting he will be fit to lead the line against Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.
Focus turns back to the @premierleague ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/wjjjqxaV6f
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 25, 2025
The update comes at a crucial time for City, especially with Omar Marmoush sidelined after suffering a knee injury while on international duty with Egypt earlier this month.
Haaland’s availability is a massive boost, given his remarkable record against Burnley. Since joining City, the 24-year-old has scored five goals in just three appearances against the Clarets. His most famous performance came in the FA Cup last season when he netted a hat-trick in a dominant 6-0 win at the Etihad.
The striker has also been prolific on the international stage, having recently scored five goals in a single World Cup qualifier for Norway against Moldova. His current form underlines why Guardiola views him as irreplaceable in City’s attack.
With City currently chasing Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, Haaland’s presence could prove decisive in maintaining the pressure. His physicality, movement, and eye for goal continue to make him one of the most feared forwards in world football.
Burnley, meanwhile, have endured a difficult start to the season under former City captain Vincent Kompany. They will be hoping to avoid another punishing display from Haaland, whose sharpness in front of goal could once again tilt the contest in City’s favour.
City fans will be relieved by the latest update, but the final call will come from Guardiola on matchday. For now, all signs point towards Haaland being ready to start — and if history is anything to go by, Burnley should be very concerned.
