Manchester City will soon find their lethal weapon. Erling Haaland, absent since the beginning of December, should return during the month of January. Announcement made by Pep Guardiola, on the sidelines of the Citizens’ victory on the Everton pitch this Wednesday evening (1-3) while the Norwegian striker was once again absent;
“He’s still not with the team. He feels better but he has not yet done a single training session with us, his coach said before kick-off against the Toffees. I hope that in January he can come back with us. »
De Bruyne also on the return
The 23-year-old striker has not played since December 6 and a defeat against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa (1-0). An absence not necessarily detrimental for the moment. Without their Norwegian striker, victim of a stress fracture in his foot, the Citizens did not lose a match (5 wins, 1 draw), won the Club World Cup and climbed the rankings within reach of the podium.
Another notable absentee on the return, Kevin De Bruyne could also join his teammates at the start of the year after his hamstring operation in August. “Kevin is so important to us, like Erling. I would say that these two types of players do not help you play well, but they help you win matches,” summed up Guardiola. The Belgian has returned to collective training, but is not yet ready to play a single minute in the championship.
The bad news on the Skyblues side came from John Stones, who was injured before half-time against Everton and suffered an ankle injury. Manchester City should therefore host Sheffield United for their last match of the year this Saturday (4 p.m.) without their three players.
