Erling Haaland fit for Manchester City’s Aston Villa trip despite injury concerns

Erling Haaland has been cleared to return for Manchester City’s Premier League visit to Aston Villa on Saturday, but Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic and Nico O’Reilly remain doubtful.

The Norway striker missed City’s 5-1 Champions League win over AEK Athens after sustaining a knock in the victory against Ipswich Town last weekend.

Haaland was named among the substitutes in midweek but did not play, with Phil Foden taking his opportunity by scoring a hat-trick.

City coach Enzo Maresca confirmed Haaland is fully fit to feature at Villa Park, offering a significant boost before a difficult away match.

However, the other three players will have to wait for a final assessment during Friday’s training session.

“We have a session this afternoon. They could all be available or not in terms of if there is still doubt,” Maresca said.

“Yesterday they were all improving, so we will see this afternoon. Erling is the only one 100 per cent available and the other three we need to wait to the session.”