CARDIFF, WALES — Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been declared fit for Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal at the Principality Stadium, easing concerns after the Norwegian sat out part of Thursday’s open training session.
New City boss Enzo Maresca confirmed the 25-year-old’s availability during his pre-match press conference on Friday, dismissing fears over a minor issue. “He [Haaland] was okay, he had just a small thing behind his ears, but he was ok,” the Italian said.
However, Haaland’s lack of pre-season minutes following Norway’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals this summer means he may have to settle for a place on the bench. Omar Marmoush, who has been linked with a move away from City, is expected to lead the attack after netting a brace in the 3-1 friendly win over Atletico Madrid last weekend.
Maresca faces a midfield reshuffle with Tijjani Reijnders’ move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah set to be finalised. The Italian must name a new partner for Mateo Kovacic, with Rico Lewis an option after starting there in the win over a K-League All Stars XI earlier this month.
Summer signing Elliot Anderson, who arrived from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, is pushing for his debut but has only recently returned to training along with Marc Guehi and Rayan Cherki. Nico Gonzalez may therefore get the nod in midfield.
World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri is back at City following minor back surgery and Maresca said the Spaniard was ready to train, but he seems unlikely to feature with Barcelona preparing another bid for his services.
Rayan Ait-Nouri has impressed during pre-season and is pushing for a start at left-back, which would see Josko Gvardiol move inside to partner Ruben Dias in central defence. 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. Youngster Ryan McAidoo has been battling a shoulder problem.
Maresca will be hoping to start his City tenure with silverware against an Arsenal side looking to begin their Premier League title defence positively. The Community Shield kicks off at 3pm BST on Sunday, with TNT Sports 1 providing live coverage from the Principality Stadium.
