“I had a bit of a problem” – Erling Haaland offers insight into Manchester City fitness agony | OneFootball

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has issued a fresh update into his latest fitness struggles for Pep Guardiola’s side ahead of a crucial phase of the campaign.

The Norwegian striker returned to on-field duties during the weekend’s meeting with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at the City Ground, sealing all three points for Manchester City having appeared from the substitute’s bench in the second-half.

It marked the end of a two-game run without Erling Haaland for Manchester City, after the club’s mainstay number nine was absent from the FA Cup semi-final meeting with Chelsea at Wembley, and the Premier League clash with Brighton last week.

Speaking after his return to goalscoring form in the 0-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon, Erling Haaland explained, “I’m ready – I had a bit of a problem and it’s not nice to bounce back when we went out to Madrid in the Champions League.

“It’s been scratching inside of me to get back and now I’m back and feeling good. I’m ready to attack the last five finals.”

Manchester City face stern competition from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal heading into the final contests of the ongoing season, but know that should they win all of their remaining four top-flight matches, they will be crowned Premier League champions.

Discussing the intensity of the title race, Haaland explained, “It’s nice – exactly like last season. This is maybe the most exciting time to be a footballer. There’s not many who can relate but this is why I play football – the feeling before the game, you’re a bit nervous.

“This is fantastic and it’s why I love football because of these feelings. So many of these guys have done it before and it’s about keeping the head calm and not wanting too much. We relax, smile and enjoy our time then we focus on the next game.”

Manchester City have just five matches remaining across all competitions this season, and should they wish to win the two trophies available to them in the final month of the campaign, then Erling Haaland will be integral to those plans.

Following a meeting with Wolves at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening, it is back-to-back away trips to London for the reigning Champions as they take on Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur in successive meetings.

The Premier League season will then come to a close for Manchester City with a home contest against West Ham, before attentions will turn to an FA Cup final showpiece against bitter cross-town rivals Manchester United.