Haaland Back for City as Crucial Clash Against Southampton Looms

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is back in the squad and could start against Southampton, Pep Guardiola confirmed ahead of the weekend. Haaland has recovered from an ankle injury that kept him out for nearly six weeks.

With 21 league goals, Haaland is still in the Golden Boot race but now trails Mohamed Salah (28) and Alexander Isak (23). City sit third in the table with three games left — chasing second-place Arsenal and fending off Newcastle just behind.

“He’s fit and ready,” said Guardiola. “We’ll decide if he starts on match day.” Rodri remains out, while Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake have resumed training but aren’t yet match-ready.

City face a relegated Southampton side with nothing to lose, but Pep isn’t taking it lightly. “We start 0-0. It’s a massive game for us,” he said. “We need three wins to lock in Champions League football — it’s in our hands.”

City have won four in a row, and a strong finish could see them end the season with silverware. Still, Guardiola insists all focus is on the Saints: “Not thinking ahead. All week it’s been Southampton on my mind.”