Erling Haaland is set to return for Manchester City when they travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, with Enzo Maresca saying the striker is fully available. Haaland had not been risked in City's Champions League win over AEK Athens after a blow to the foot against Ipswich.
Haaland available again
Haaland scored twice against Ipswich on Saturday to take his tally for the season to 12. He limped off at full-time in that game and was an unused substitute on Tuesday.
Manager Enzo Maresca said: "Erling is the only one who is 100 per cent available and for the other three we need to wait."
Doubts over three players
Manchester City will continue to assess Nico O’Reilly, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes, who also suffered knocks against Ipswich.
Manager Enzo Maresca said: "They could all be available or not. There are still doubts."
Table position and Villa form
Manchester City are three points clear at the top of the table ahead of the trip to Villa Park. Aston Villa are unbeaten in six games.
Maresca said: "I have huge respect for Unai Emery. He’s a fantastic manager and they are a very good team."
Maresca said: "You can see clearly what they want, they are very intense off the ball and in this moment they are in a good mood, they are winning games. I am sure, 100 per cent, it is going to be a tough game."
Maresca on City's mood
“The mood is very good,” said Maresca.
Maresca said: "We are happy with our start but we are hungry for more wins."
the Italian said: "We need to find the right balance between the goals we score and the goals we concede."
the Italian said: "In this moment we are scoring many goals but I’m sure that we can improve. There is always something that we can do better. This is our target."