Enzo Maresca Breathes Easier: Erling Haaland Is 100% Fit to Face Aston Villa

Erling Haaland Is Ready to Return

Manchester City received the news they wanted most ahead of their trip to Aston Villa: Erling Haaland is fully fit and ready to return to the attack after remaining on the bench for the midweek European fixture.

Enzo Maresca removed any doubt surrounding the Norwegian, who had been dealing with a knock suffered against Ipswich. The manager confirmed that, unlike several of his teammates, his star striker is ready to play.

“Erling is the only one who is 100% available,” Maresca said ahead of the final training session before the match.

Maresca Is Still Waiting on Three Players

Haaland’s recovery does not solve all of City’s injury concerns. Nico O'Reilly, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic remain doubtful after also missing the midweek game.

Maresca explained that all three had shown improvement, but their availability will depend on how they respond in the final training session. The coaching staff do not want to take unnecessary risks with the schedule beginning to intensify.

Their absence would particularly reduce City’s options in midfield, an important area against an Aston Villa side that can make life difficult at home.

Semenyo’s Absence Opens the Door for Foden

City’s attacking options are also affected by the absence of Antoine Semenyo, who is expected to spend several weeks out with a knee injury suffered against Ipswich.

His absence places more responsibility on the rest of the attack, and Phil Foden has already responded emphatically. The England international scored a hat-trick in the midweek European fixture and heads into the return of Premier League action in excellent form.

With Haaland available again and Foden firing, Maresca regains two of his biggest attacking weapons as City look to maintain their scoring momentum.

City Want to Keep Their Perfect Start Going

Manchester City travel to Villa Park after winning their first seven Premier League matches, a perfect start that has kept them at the top of the table.

Maresca, however, does not want that impressive run to make his players comfortable. “We are happy with our start, but we want more,” the manager said as City prepare for another demanding away test.

With Haaland back, City also regain their main attacking reference for the kind of fixture that can provide a serious test for any title contender.

The Latest Manchester City Team News Before Villa Park

• Erling Haaland is 100% available after recovering from the knock he had been carrying.
• Nico O'Reilly, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic remain doubtful pending the final training session.
• City travel to Aston Villa looking to preserve their perfect record of seven wins from seven Premier League matches.

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