Erling Haaland injury decision made in Man City predicted line up vs Everton

Erling Haaland is knocking at the door to return from injury for Manchester City when the world champions get down to business against Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

Haaland, 23, has missed the last three domestic matches owing to a troublesome foot injury and the Norwegian was also forced to watch from the dugout when City reigned supreme at the Club World Club last week as they added yet another trophy to the cabinet. Haaland was able to train alone in Saudi Arabia.

His fitness remains the biggest question mark for City heading into the Everton game and Pep Guardiola - when speaking about Haaland before the Club World Cup - rated him a 50-50 to play in the Gulf state. However, there was to be no return for the Norway goal machine at that stage.

ALSO READ: January window simulated amid Phillips surprise

ALSO READ: Haaland injury latest and timescale for City return

City did not exactly miss Haaland in the strictest sense as they netted seven goals in two games during the Club World Cup to officially become the best team in the world. He remains one of their standout players, though, and crucial to their hopes in other competitions such as the Premier League this season.

To limit the possibility of an immediate setback, it might be more sensible for Guardiola to use Haaland sparingly for the Everton game and call upon him from the substitutes bench in the second half - particularly if City have to chase a result at that stage.

If the Catalan does go down that particular route, Julian Alvarez - who scored two goals and provided an assist in the Club World Cup final win over Fluminense - is certain to lead their line with Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish for support in attacking quarters.