Man City

Guardiola Confirms Haaland Fit, Kovacic Nearing Return Ahead of Burnley Clash

by
OlaBlogger
September 26, 2025

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland is ready for selection when Manchester City host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, while Mateo Kovacic has resumed full first-team training after undergoing Achilles surgery.

Haaland, who scored his seventh goal of the season against Arsenal before being substituted with back pain in the 76th minute, missed City’s midweek Carabao Cup victory over Huddersfield Town. However, the ~~Norwegian~~ forward was back in training on Thursday and looks set to retain his spot in the starting XI. “He’s ready,” Guardiola confirmed during Friday’s press conference.Providing a wider update on his squad, Guardiola ruled out several players: Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Omar Marmoush. On Kovacic, the manager remained cautious: “(Rayan) Ait-Nouri, no. (Rayan) Cherki, no. (Abdukodir) Khusanov, no. (Omar) Marmoush, no. And (Mateo) Kova, maybe.”

If cleared, Kovacic could make his first appearance since May after missing the FIFA Club World Cup and the opening months of the 2025/26 campaign.

Manchester City, buoyed by recent results following a difficult start to the season, are expected to revert to a near full-strength XI after Guardiola made nine changes in midweek.

FAQs

Is Erling Haaland fit to face Burnley?

Yes. Pep Guardiola confirmed that Haaland is fully fit and ready to play against Burnley after recovering from back discomfort.

Will Mateo Kovacic feature against Burnley?

Kovacic has returned to full training and could make his first appearance since May, though Guardiola suggested his availability is still “maybe.”

Which Manchester City players are unavailable?

Guardiola ruled out Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Omar Marmoush for the Burnley game.

How has Manchester City’s form been recently?

City have improved since the international break, drawing against Arsenal and winning against Manchester United, Napoli, and Huddersfield.

Conclusion

Manchester City have received a boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Burnley as Erling Haaland returns to full fitness, while Mateo Kovacic edges closer to a long-awaited comeback. Despite several absentees, Pep Guardiola’s men look well-positioned to continue their recent momentum and push forward in their title defense.

Premier League 2025/2026

		P	W	D	L	Pts
1	Liverpool	5	5	0	0	15
2	Arsenal	5	3	1	1	10
3	Tottenham Hotspur	5	3	1	1	10
4	AFC Bournemouth	5	3	1	1	10
5	Crystal Palace	5	2	3	0	9
6	Chelsea	5	2	2	1	8
7	Sunderland	5	2	2	1	8
8	Fulham	5	2	2	1	8
9	Manchester City	5	2	1	2	7
10	Everton	5	2	1	2	7
11	Manchester United	5	2	1	2	7
12	Leeds United	5	2	1	2	7
13	Newcastle United	5	1	3	1	6
14	Brighton & Hove Albion	5	1	2	2	5
15	Nottingham Forest	5	1	2	2	5
16	Burnley	5	1	1	3	4
17	Brentford	5	1	1	3	4
18	Aston Villa	5	0	3	2	3
19	West Ham United	5	1	0	4	3
20	Wolverhampton Wanderers	5	0	0	5	0