Manchester City provide Erling Haaland fitness update ahead of Nottingham Forest clash
Manchester City have received a fitness update about Norwegian striker Erling Haaland ahead of their Premier League clash away to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, April 28. The goal machine missed City's last two games and was a question mark for the upcoming game. However, it looks like he will take part in the fixture after all.
Haaland has been phenomenal for the Cityzens, turning in 83 goals and 15 assists in 92 games since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. His 20 goals from 26 Premier League games see him level on goals with Cole Palmer at the top of the scoring charts this campaign. He will be eyeing a speedy recovery so he can open up more space between himself and the chasing pack of goalscorers.
Manchester City, meanwhile, had hoped to defend their treble this season, however, fate has seen them only in contention for a potential double now. Haaland will be very vital in the quest to achieve those goals and his return from injury will surely be a boost.
He was spotted back in training via a post by the City account on X (formerly known as Twitter). A potential return against opposition lower down the table might be what the former Dortmund star needs to get firing again.
Manchester City will hope his return can help them see out the season and retain their Premier League crown. They sit a point behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola does not have time for refereeing appointments
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that he does not bother himself with wondering which official has been assigned to City games.
His comments come in the aftermath of his next opponent, Nottingham Forest's public criticism of the PGMOL following their game against Everton. Forest were aggrieved to have been denied three penalty claims in their 2-0 loss to the Toffees and took to social media to voice their complaints.
However, Guardiola claims to not bother about such things, telling Supersport:
"I go to the game and I never ever know who is the referee. When I see their face, it's 'oh, I remember that face'. I never in my life talk about the referees before, during or after – never ever, ever.
"A mistake can be a mistake and we are sad, and when it's in our favor we are lucky. But I don't waste my time. I have to economize, I have to choose with my time exactly what I have to do. I don't spend one second (thinking) about referees, especially when we lose."
The officiating in the league has often been called into question this season. Issues of consistency or just avoidable errors have left the referees open to an inquest. Guardiola will hope that his title-chasing side is not dealt a referee-inspired blow during their visit to the City Ground no matter what he says.