Man City receive Erling Haaland injury boost ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

Manchester City have received a major boost ahead of Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest.

Erling Haaland was pictured back in training on Friday, less than 24 hours after Pep Guardiola confirmed the striker is progressing well from a recent muscular injury. “I spoke with him, and he says he feels better,” the City boss said on Thursday night. “I don't know [if he'll be back this weekend].”

Haaland picked up his injury in last week’s disappointing Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid. The Norwegian was replaced after the full-time whistle and couldn’t continue into extra-time. He was seen limping as he made his way off the Etihad pitch and hasn’t played since.

Haaland missed the FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea and Thursday’s 4-0 demolition of Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex, but could be in line to face Nottingham Forest this weekend.

The champions travel to the City Ground in second place and trail Arsenal by a point, albeit they have a game in hand on the leaders. The Gunners face local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and City’s game will kick off around 30 minutes after the conclusion of the clash in North London.

If Haaland is available, Guardiola could have a fully fit squad to choose from at Forest. City drew 1-1 in Nottingham last season, the only slip-up in a 15-match run that saw the Blues secure a seventh Premier League title.

As for Haaland, he will hope to play and score as he continues his battle to be crowned Premier League top scorer this season. The ex-Borussia Dortmund star is on 20 goals, the same number as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Ollie Watkins (19), Dominic Solanke (18) are also in the running, along with Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah on 17 goals.