Erling Haaland available for Manchester City match against Aston Villa

Erling Haaland Is Available for Midlands Fixture

Manchester City head into their Midlands fixture with a mix of relief and ongoing fitness concerns. Erling Haaland took a knock following the team’s victory over Ipswich Town, and the star striker has since trained fully and is available to feature.

Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the positive news regarding his talisman during a Thursday press conference ahead of the weekend action. Erling is the only one 100 per cent available, Maresca explained.

🚨 Thursday's FPL Press Conferences!🔵 10.30am – Maresca🩵 1.30pm – Lampard🚜 1.30pm – O'Neil🐝 2pm – Andrews pic.twitter.com/UrpQcBlKrw

— https://x.com/FFScout/status/2113193719956414815

Maresca Assesses Fitness of Three Midfielders

While Haaland’s immediate return provides a massive boost, the status of several other regular squad members remains up in the air. Midfielders Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic, alongside youngster Nico O’Reilly, picked up knocks in rapid succession during the Ipswich match and missed subsequent training sessions.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Maresca noted that the trio would be assessed following a final training session. We have a session this afternoon. They can be all available or not. Yesterday they were all improving, and we’ll see this afternoon, he said.

Gvardiol Retains Spot as Defense Reshuffles

Defensive reshuffling is likely as City prepare to travel. Josko Gvardiol started in the Champions League fixture against AEK Athens in O’Reilly’s absence and is expected to retain his spot at left-back, with Maresca downplaying a minor knock the Croatian defender picked up late in Europe.

Meanwhile, with Nunes facing a late fitness test, Rayan Ait-Nouri could step in for a rare start on the right side of the defence. In the centre of the pitch, Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez are anticipated to anchor the midfield.

Antoine Semenyo Misses Eight Weeks with Knee Injury

Adding to City’s squad challenges, winger Antoine Semenyo faces a significant spell on the sidelines. Maresca confirmed that Semenyo suffered a knee injury late in the Ipswich game and scans revealed he will miss approximately eight weeks, keeping him out until mid-December.

In attack, decisions remain around the front four supporting Haaland. Phil Foden staked a strong claim to keep the number ten role after scoring a hat-trick against AEK Athens, though Rayan Cherki is also pushing for a return to the starting XI.

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