Man City handed Erling Haaland fitness boost vs Southampton

Pep Guardiola confirmed that Erling Haaland will be fit to face Southampton on Saturday.

Manchester City had to do without their star striker last weekend against Liverpool after Haaland suffered a groin injury before the international break. He initially linked up with the Norway squad but had to withdraw and while the injury was not too serious it was enough for him to miss the first Premier League game back.

City were given three days off after beating Liverpool 4-1 and when they returned Haaland was able to train. The Norwegian has worked well enough this week for Guardiola to rule him fit for the weekend before they head down.

Also read: Every word from Pep Guardiola press conference ahead of Southampton

City will kick off at Southampton eight points behind leaders Arsenal, but are up for the task of chasing them down. Guardiola stressed that Haaland and the rest of the squad know what is in front of them for the rest of the season

"He trained the last two days really good so he will be ready," said Guardiola. "We are in the last part of the season, no more international break. It depends on us how many games we're going to play - in the Premier League for sure but in the FA Cup and Champions League we will see what happens. If we win games, we are alive. If we don't , we are out."

READ NEXT:

City have two top captaincy candidates and a surprise new leader

Haaland can follow Kane example to score even more goals

Haaland call will show Guardiola priorities