Sports · Football · 9 hrs ago
Haaland fit to return for Manchester City’s trip to Aston Villa
Erling Haaland is available for Manchester City as they prepare to visit Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Norway striker was rested for City’s Champions League win over AEK Athens after taking a knock to his foot against Ipswich.
Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic remain doubtful, and manager Enzo Maresca said their availability would be assessed.
City have won their first seven Premier League matches under Maresca and are three points clear at the top.
Aston Villa have started to recover from a slow start and are unbeaten in six matches, so City expect a difficult game.
The teams meet at Villa Park on Saturday, with City looking to continue their winning run.
Erling Haaland is available to return for Manchester City’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Norway striker missed City’s Champions League win over AEK Athens after a foot knock in the previous game against Ipswich.
Manager Enzo Maresca said three other players—Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic—remain doubtful.
City are three points clear at the top of the league after winning their first seven games.
Maresca said the team is pleased with its start but wants more wins.
- Who
- Erling Haaland is set to return for Manchester City. Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic remain doubtful.
- What
- City travel to play Aston Villa in a Premier League match.
- When
- Saturday; the articles were published on October 22 and 23, 2026.
- Where
- Villa Park, home of Aston Villa.
- Why
- Haaland is available after a foot knock; he was not risked in the midweek Champions League match.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Haaland scored twice against Ipswich, then limped off at full-time after a foot knock.
Haaland remained an unused substitute as Manchester City beat AEK Athens in the Champions League.
Maresca said Haaland was available for a return, while three teammates remained doubtful.
Manchester City are due to travel to Aston Villa for a Premier League match.
- Haaland’s season tally
- 12 goals
- City’s league start
- Seven straight wins
- City’s league position
- Three points clear at the top
- Doubtful players
- Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic
- Match venue
- Villa Park
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What people are saying
For sure, Erling is the only one 100% available.
The mood is very good.
We are happy with our start but we are more hungry for more wins.
I have huge respect for Unai Emery.