ERLING HAALAND handed Manchester City a huge boost for Wednesday’s title showdown with Arsenal by taking part in a full recovery session.
The Prem’s top scorer was subbed at half-time during Sunday’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa after getting a kick on the leg.
Boss Pep Guardiola said afterwards he would wait to see if the £51.4million striker could join the squad heading for North London on Tuesday.
But the signs are positive as the 31-goal star was pictured being put through his paces with the rest of the squad on Monday afternoon.
It was a warm-down session, with those who had played against Villa not taking part in full training.
That resumes for most of them on Tuesday.
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And Guardiola is expected to give an update on Haaland’s fitness at his pre-match press conference at lunchtime.
The Norwegian has not found the net in his last three starts for City and his last away goal was as long ago as December 28 at Leeds.
He passed up the chance to take a penalty against Villa – allowing Riyad Mahrez to take it instead – and also showed his quality by teeing up a goal for Ilkay Gundogan.
But Guardiola has already vowed Haaland will only take part if totally fit.
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He said after Sunday’s win: “If he’s not ready or it’s a risk he’s not going to play.”
If Haaland does miss out, Guardiola could start with Argentina frontman Julian Alvarez – using Jack Grealish and Mahrez out wide behind him
Victory would take City above the table-topping Gunners, who would still have one game in hand.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
