Haaland Returns to Manchester City Starting XI After Six-Week Injury Absence

Erling Haaland is back in Manchester City’s starting lineup against Southampton today. This ends his six-week injury break as the club continues its push for Champions League qualification.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Norwegian striker returns to Manchester City’s starting XI against Southampton, marking his first game since March 30. Haaland was out due to an ankle injury he got during City’s FA Cup win over Bournemouth, missing six matches during an important part of the season. His return is one of five changes manager Pep Guardiola made from the team that won 2-1 against Wolves last week.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Haaland is back at a key time for Manchester City. They are third in the Premier League with three matches left. They want to secure a Champions League spot and are three points ahead of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest. A win against the already-relegated Southampton today would put City level on points with second-place Arsenal, who face champions Liverpool tomorrow.

The 24-year-old’s return is especially important because of his amazing impact since joining City. Before his injury, Haaland reached 100 Premier League goal involvements (84 goals, 16 assists) in just 94 games, faster than anyone in the league’s history. His last Premier League appearance was against Brighton on March 15, where he scored an early penalty to reach that milestone.

WHAT NEXT FOR CITY?

With Haaland back, Manchester City aims to win their remaining matches to secure Champions League football next season. Even though he’s won the Premier League Golden Boot in his last two seasons in England, Haaland is now seven goals behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah with three matches left. City also has injury issues to handle, as they are without key midfielder Rodri. However, Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake have recently returned to training.

Today’s game against Southampton is important for the opposition too. The already-relegated Saints need at least a point to avoid matching Derby County’s record for the lowest points total in Premier League history, making them potentially tricky opponents despite being at the bottom of the table.