Maresca says Haaland is 100% available for Villa trip
- Erling is the only one 100% available, and the other three we need to wait for today’s session, Enzo Maresca said ahead of his side's weekend fixture.
- Haaland enters Saturday's fixture available after sitting out City's recent 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens on the bench.
- While Haaland is confirmed fit, City must make late decisions on Nico O’Reilly, Mateo Kovačić, and Matheus Nunes following a training session.
Erling is the only one 100% available, and the other three we need to wait for today’s session,
Enzo Maresca said ahead of his side’s weekend fixture. Manchester City travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa on Saturday with Erling Haaland fully fit, though Maresca faces late fitness tests on three other players.
Erling Haaland Cleared for Villa Park Trip
Haaland enters Saturday’s fixture available after sitting out City’s recent 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens on the bench. The Norwegian striker has already scored 12 goals across 10 appearances this season. He took a painful blow to his foot during City’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town last weekend. Maresca confirmed in his pre-match news conference that the forward is 100% available.
Fitness Doubts Surrounding Trio Before Kick-Off
While Haaland is confirmed fit, City must make late decisions on Nico O’Reilly, Mateo Kovačić, and Matheus Nunes following a training session. O’Reilly was withdrawn in the second half against the Tractor Boys after aggravating a back issue, while Kovačić and Nunes also picked up minor issues during that fixture. All three players missed the midweek European match entirely. Maresca stated that each of the three players showed improvement during training, but their availability depends strictly on how they navigate the final pre-match session.
Enzo Maresca delivers Haaland injury update ahead of Man City’s Villa trip Erling Haaland is available for Manchester City’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa this weekend, manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed, although three team-mates remain fitness doubts. According to the… pic.twitter.com/jjMGfsSxMq
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa Awaits Unbeaten City
Manchester City sit top of the Premier League table with a maximum of 21 points from seven matches, aiming to extend their perfect Premier League start. However, the club has failed to win any of their last four visits to Villa Park, losing their last three matches at the venue. Aston Villa enter the match on the back of a 3-1 win against Viking in the Champions League, maintaining their 100% record in the Champions League under Unai Emery. Maresca expressed high praise for his managerial counterpart, highlighting Villa’s defensive intensity off the ball and their strong current form.
Title Race Perspective and Schedule Ahead
Maresca insisted it is far too early in the campaign to write off any challengers in the Premier League title race. A victory on Saturday would temporarily stretch City’s lead at the summit to six points before second-placed Arsenal face Everton. Following the weekend fixture, City turn their attention to domestic cup commitments, hosting Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton side at the Etihad Stadium on October 28 for a Carabao Cup fourth-round encounter.