Manchester City have Erling Haaland fit for today’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal. The Norway international, who scored twice in three appearances against the Gunners last season, provided supporters with a mini-scare after sitting out the final part of Thursday’s open training session.
However, new City boss Enzo Maresca has insisted that his star striker is available for selection in Cardiff. “He [Haaland] was okay, he had just a small thing behind ears, but he was ok,” the Italian said during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Haaland’s fitness and pre-season absence
Though Haaland is healthy, he did not feature at all during pre-season after being given an extended break following Norway’s memorable run to the World Cup quarter-finals this summer. As such, he may have to settle for a place on the bench at the Principality Stadium as the in-form Omar Marmoush - who has been linked with a move away from City - leads the line after netting a brace in the 3-1 friendly win over Atletico Madrid last weekend.
Midfield and defensive decisions
With Tijjani Reijnders’ move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah set to be finalised, Maresca will be forced to name a new midfield partner for Mateo Kovacic. Rico Lewis is an option having started there in the win over a K-League All Stars XI earlier this month. Likewise £116million summer signing Elliot Anderson as he looks to make his Man City debut, but the England international has only recently returned to training, along with Marc Guehi and Rayan Cherki, so Nico Gonzalez may get the nod instead.
World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri is now back at Man City following minor back surgery and Maresca said on Friday that he was ready to train, but he seems unlikely to feature here as Barcelona prepare another bid for his services. Rayan Ait-Nouri has caught the eye during pre-season and is pushing for a start at left-back, which would mean Josko Gvardiol moving inside to partner Ruben Dias at the heart of the City defence.
Attack and other concerns
Phil Foden is set to start in the No10 role, with Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku - fresh off signing a new five-year contract - completing the attacking trio behind Marmoush. Tottenham transfer target Savinho has dealt with illness in the build-up to the game, while Jack Grealish has only just returned to training following a foot injury suffered on loan at Everton last season and youngster Ryan McAidoo has been battling a shoulder problem.
Predicted Man City XI (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Kovacic, Nico; Semenyo, Foden, Doku; Marmoush
Doubts: Savinho, McAidoo, Rodri, Grealish
Time and date: 3pm BST on Sunday August 16, 2026
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
How to watch: TNT Sports 1
