Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has warned Arsenal that he is “ready to attack” after shrugging off a recent muscle injury.
♦ Haaland had been nursing a muscle problem
♦ Missed two games before returning against Forest
♦ Has recovered completely and could start vs Wolves
WHAT HAPPENED?
The City medical staff had been closely monitoring the Norwegian striker’s journey back to full fitness after he requested to be substituted during City’s intense Champions League second-leg quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, where he was given little room to manoeuvre by the visitors. Subsequently, he had to sit out the next two Premier League games with a muscle problem before starring against Nottingham Forest from the bench and scoring his team’s second goal on Sunday.
WHAT HAALAND SAID
Addressing concerns about his fitness, Haaland reassured fans and said: “I’m ready – I had a bit of a problem and it’s nice to bounce back when we went out to Madrid in the Champions League. It’s been scratching inside of me to get back and now I’m back and feeling good. I’m ready to attack the last five finals.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Haaland warned his rivals, especially Arsenal, that he is ready to go all guns blazing in City’s quest for a fourth successive Premier League title and claimed that he thrives when the stakes are at the highest.
“It’s nice – exactly like last season. This is maybe the most exciting time to be a footballer,” he said.
“There’s not many who can relate but this is why I play football – the feeling before the game, you’re a bit nervous. This is fantastic and it’s why I love football because of these feelings. So many of these guys have done it before and it’s about keeping the head calm and not wanting too much. We relax, smile and enjoy our time then we focus on the next game.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Haaland is leading the Premier League’s Golden Boot race with 21 goals but is being closely followed by Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who is having a sensational season and has found the net 20 times. Whereas, Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak are also not far behind with 19 strikes each.
WHAT NEXT?
Looking ahead, Manchester City will host Wolves in their upcoming fixture on Saturday, with ample time to prepare following their recent exit from the Champions League. Their final three league fixtures are against Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham, respectively, before they face Manchester United in the FA Cup final.