Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Erling Haaland was fit to face AEK Athens, despite the striker spending the entire match on the bench. The revelation calms concerns over the Norwegian's availability for the upcoming Premier League clash.
Haaland's Fitness and the Win Over AEK Athens
Haaland picked up a knock after scoring twice in City's 3-2 win over Ipswich at the weekend, sparking worries that he could miss the Champions League fixture at home to AEK Athens.
The forward watched from the sidelines as teenager Floyd Samba led the line for City. The hosts cruised to a 5-1 victory, thanks to a Phil Foden hat-trick and further goals from Elliot Anderson and Rayan Cherki.
Maresca's Decision to Rest the Striker
With City in such control, Maresca felt there was no need to introduce Haaland, a decision that pleased the head coach. A rested Haaland is now in line to start this weekend when City take on Aston Villa in the Premier League's Saturday lunchtime kick-off.
Maresca shared: "He's okay to start on Saturday." He added: "We had five or six players on the bench who were ready to go inside but at the same time they had a rest, which is good! So we're happy with that."
Gvardiol Injury Update
During the game, Josko Gvardiol was forced off with an injury in the 72nd minute, but Maresca did not appear concerned. The Italian revealed the issue stemmed from discomfort in the warm-up for the Croatian defender.
Maresca told TNT Sports: "He's okay, he had a small problem during the warm-up in his back but he could play and he was okay."
