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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about Erling Haaland and team news ahead of their Premier League game with Burnley
Erling Haaland has been given the all-clear to play against Burnley after sitting out the Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield.
City's No.9 did not travel with the squad to West Yorkshire after citing issues with his back that caused him to be taken off before the end of their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
There was some criticism of Pep Guardiola for withdrawing Haaland at Arsenal after the late equaliser for the Gunners, given the shift that he had put in at the Emirates.
However, the Manchester City manager was forced into the change and the Blues were left waiting to see how the striker's pain would settle.
Having been given the league cup game off, Haaland trained on Thursday with the team and is ready to lead the line for City when they take on Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday. He will be looking to add to his excellent start to the season that has seen him score six goals in his opening five matches.
In a further boost for City, Mateo Kovacic could make his first squad of the season after recovering from an Achilles injury. The midfielder missed all of pre-season and his recovery has taken longer than expected but he could be fit for Saturday.
Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, and Abdukodir Khusanov are all expected back after the international break but will miss the game against Burnley.
"Ait-Nouri, no, Cherki, no. Khusanov, no. Marmoush, no. Kova, maybe," said Guardiola. "Long injury, surgery but he’s getting better soon. He’s ready but step by step."
City will be looking to build on a positive fortnight since the September international break. Wins over Napoli, Huddersfield and United as well as a draw at Arsenal have left them four unbeaten with matches against Burnley, Monaco and Brentford to come before the next break.
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