Erling Haaland returns to Man City training in huge title race boost for champions

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been missing since early December after picking up a foot injury but Pep Guardiola might not have to wait much longer for the Norwegian sensation to return

Manchester City have been handed a major Erling Haaland boost after the Norwegian striker’s return to training.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has missed the last five Premier League games after picking up a foot injury, while he also missed out on City’s victorious Club World Cup campaign. Haaland has been restricted to the sidelines since early December.

However, he could be set for a return sooner rather than later. The striker has returned to training with the rest of his teammates during a warm weather trip to Abu Dhabi.

Haaland shared some pictures of him in action alongside the caption: “Oh how I’ve missed this!” City now have a decision to make over his availability over the next few weeks.

After initially returning to training earlier this month, he was forced back onto the sidelines having not fully recovered. Asked at the time if Haaland had suffered a setback, City boss Pep Guardiola responded: “Yeah, a little bit.

“He’s fine, but a little problem, disturbing his feet. The doctors decide to stop for one week and restart maybe in Abu Dhabi.

"Hopefully at the end of this month he'll be ready," the Spaniard added. "It was a little bit more than we expected in the beginning.

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"It's the bone. It needs time. With every injury you can do whatever you want but it's a question of time. He’ll be ready to come back at the end of this month.”

Before his injury, Haaland was having another terrific season for Man City. The former Borussia Dortmund star had scored 19 goals and notched five assists in 22 appearances in all competitions.

Having only just returned to training for City, he appears unlikely to appear in Friday evening’s FA Cup fourth round clash with Tottenham in North London. He could potentially be a candidate to play in the side’s Premier League clash with Burnley at the end of the month.

Away from Haaland, there is also more good news on the injury front for Guardiola. Defender John Stones also returned to training in Abu Dhabi, while Manuel Akanji could potentially be back in action by the end of the month.

Elsewhere, Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson could be called into action against Tottenham after being taken off in the 3-2 win against Newcastle following a heavy collision. City might not have the services of Kalvin Phillips to call on for much longer with Premier League rivals West Ham attempting to sign him on loan.

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