ERLING "THE ROBOT" HAALAND BACK FOR FOREST CLASH ON SUNDAY

Erling Haalnd is back

There is a sense of calmness about Manchester City and its coaching staff heading into the city ground after Erling Haaland's eagerly awaited comeback to full first-team training on Friday.

After being ruled out of Manchester City's FA Cup semifinal match against Chelsea and this week's Premier League match against Brighton, the Norwegian striker has missed the team's previous two competitive games.

Guardiola spoke on his number nine's fitness ahead of the match against Roberto De Zerbi's side, saying, "He is injured." I do not think it is much, but he is unable to play today (against Brighton). I am not sure (whether he will return for the following game against Nottingham Forest).

 However, Guardiola and Manchester City fans have been met with a positive update on the 23-year-old, as the club prepares for the remaining five games of their Premier League title race with Arsenal and Liverpool. Erling Haaland was photographed by City's club photographers during first-team training at the City Football Academy on Friday, as the remainder of the group recovered after their previous night's excursion on the south shore.

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 Using City's official X account, Manchester City have also posted pictures of the number nine of his return to training. As of his season thus far, Haaland leads City in goals scored across all competitions with 31 goals in 39 appearances. With his expected return, Pep Guardiola will have a full roster to plan his tactical onslaught for Sunday's crucial Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest.

Happy Friday! 💪 pic.twitter.com/xsKNc8s3P2

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 26, 2024