Manchester City supporters have been relieved by the sight of Erling Haaland on the substitutes bench for the Champions League match against AEK Athens this evening. The Norwegian striker had been a major fitness concern after he was seen limping following the 3-2 Premier League win over Ipswich Town at the weekend.
Haaland scored twice at the Etihad Stadium in that victory, sparking worries that he could be sidelined for the European encounter on Tuesday. However, the former Borussia Dortmund forward has taken his place among the substitutes, with youngster Floyd Samba deputising up front for Enzo Maresca's side.
Maresca's Pre-Match Update
The Italian head coach had cast doubt over Haaland's availability after the forward was not seen in training the previous day. Speaking on Monday, Maresca said: "He can be available. We'll see. We have a session now and we have some doubts after Sunday's game.
"He was quite good yesterday. Better. So we'll see today.
"Replacing Erling is always difficult. We have some different options and we'll see tomorrow.
"It depends a little bit on the gameplan and also there is a chance he can be available tomorrow."
Three Players Absent
There are three other concerns, however, with Matheus Nunes, Nico O'Reilly and Mateo Kovacic all spotted in discomfort after the Ipswich match. There had been hope that the trio would all be fit for this match, but none of them have made the matchday squad in another twist.
It remains to be seen as to whether they are just being rested ahead of the trip to Aston Villa, or whether there are more underlying issues that City must contend with, having lost Antoine Semenyo for eight weeks to a knee injury.
