Haaland fitness is not a worry for Manchester City. Boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed the striker is fully available for Saturday’s trip to Villa Park, though three other players remain doubts.
City aim to keep their perfect Premier League record going. They have won all seven of their opening league matches.
Haaland Fitness Gives City a Major Lift
Erling Haaland has scored 12 goals already this season, and Maresca was clear about his status.
“Erling is the only one 100% available. And the other three we need to wait for today’s session,” the City boss said.
Haaland sat on the bench for the midweek Champions League game against AEK Athens. His availability is welcome news ahead of a tough fixture.
Three Players Still in Doubt
Nico O’Reilly, Mateo Kovačić and Matheus Nunes were not involved in the AEK Athens match. Their fitness will now be assessed.
The squad trains on Friday afternoon, and Maresca will decide after that session. He explained that the situation could go either way.
“We have a session this afternoon – all of them can be available or not,” he said at his pre-match news conference.
There was some encouragement. The City boss said all three players were improving on Thursday.
“In terms of [those] still in doubt, yesterday they were all improving and we will this afternoon,” Maresca added.
City Arrive in Strong Form
City travel to Villa Park for a 12:30 (UK) kick-off on Saturday. They carry plenty of confidence into the game.
The team beat AEK Athens 5-1 in the Champions League in midweek. Maresca rotated his starting line-up for that match.
City also sit three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Maresca Calls for More Hunger
The mood inside the camp is positive, and Maresca stressed that the early results have not made his squad complacent.
“The mood is very good,” Maresca said. “I said many times the mood is good.”
The boss wants the winning run to continue.
“We are happy with our start but we are more hungry for more wins. We’re happy at the moment but want more,” he added.
Title Race Still Wide Open
Despite the strong start, Maresca refused to rule out any rival. He believes the season is still in its early stages.
“It’s too early [to say teams are not in the title race]. Seven games, there are many games to go. It’s too early,” he said.
Villa Pose a Serious Challenge
Aston Villa will test City’s unbeaten league record. Unai Emery’s side beat Viking 3-1 on Wednesday night and have a 100% record in the Champions League.
The Villans are also unbeaten in their last seven matches. That run means they are well placed to put City’s start under pressure.
Maresca spoke warmly about his opposite number.
“I have huge respect for Unai,” he said. “He has done well in all of his clubs he has been and he is fantastic manager.”
What Maresca Likes About Villa
The City boss praised the clarity of Villa’s approach and the intensity of their play.
“They are a very good team. You can recognise the team and you can see clearly what they want,” Maresca said.
He highlighted their work without the ball.
“They are very intense off the ball. They are in a good mood, they are winning games and I’m sure 100% that it will be a tough game,” he added.
How to Follow the Match
City+ will carry live audio commentary of the Villa clash for subscribers.
Haaland Fitness and Team News: What Next?
With Haaland fitness confirmed, City can look ahead to Saturday with confidence. The status of O’Reilly, Kovačić and Nunes will become clear after Friday’s training session.
Maresca’s side will try to make it eight wins from eight at Villa Park.