Manchester City fans have reason to celebrate as their star striker, Erling Haaland, is poised to make a triumphant return to the pitch after being sidelined for over a month with an ankle injury. The 24-year-old Norwegian, who has been a cornerstone of City’s attack, is “ready” to feature in the upcoming Premier League clash against Southampton, according to manager Pep Guardiola. The announcement, made during a press conference on May 9, 2025, has sparked excitement among supporters eager to see their talisman back in action at St Mary’s Stadium.
Haaland’s absence began after he sustained an ankle injury during Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bournemouth on March 30. The setback, initially projected to keep him out for five to seven weeks, forced the prolific forward to miss crucial matches, including high-stakes Premier League fixtures and the FA Cup semi-final. Despite the injury, Haaland’s impact this season remains unmatched, with 30 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, a testament to his extraordinary scoring prowess. His return could not come at a more pivotal moment for City, who are battling to secure a top-four finish and a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Guardiola confirmed Haaland’s fitness, stating, “He’s ready, he’s fit. We will decide tomorrow if he’ll start.” The cautious optimism reflects the club’s careful management of their star player, who has been working diligently on his recovery. Haaland rejoined full first-team training on April 30, a significant milestone that has paved the way for his potential comeback against Southampton. Posts on X from City’s official account and reputable sources like BeanymanSports and cityreport_ echoed Guardiola’s sentiments, amplifying the buzz around Haaland’s return.
The timing of Haaland’s comeback is critical for Manchester City, who have relied on other players to fill the void left by their leading scorer. Omar Marmoush, a January signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, has stepped up admirably, notably scoring the winning goal against Bournemouth after replacing Haaland. However, Guardiola acknowledged the irreplaceable nature of Haaland’s skill set, noting, “We don’t have another player with his skills or specific qualities, but we have to adapt.” Haaland’s presence is expected to reinvigorate City’s attack, particularly against a Southampton side languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table with just one point from nine matches.
Haaland’s influence extends beyond the pitch. His recent nine-and-a-half-year contract extension, signed in January 2025, commits him to City until 2034, signaling his long-term commitment to the club. Off the field, his authentic and engaging social media presence has bolstered his global brand,“City’s main account has 56 million followers on Instagram, 18 million on X and 30 million on TikTok. They have just 1.7 million on Snapchat. Haaland’s follower count is not public, yet you can safely bet he has more than his employers.” This connection with fans, coupled with his on-field exploits, makes his return a significant boost for City’s morale and commercial appeal.
Southampton, reeling from a 1-0 defeat to City in October 2024—where Haaland scored the decisive goal—face a daunting task. Despite their possession-based style under manager Russell Martin earning praise from Guardiola, the Saints have struggled to convert chances, managing just five shots compared to City’s 22 in their previous encounter. Haaland’s return could exploit these defensive frailties, especially given his knack for scoring from difficult angles, as evidenced by his falling-backwards strike in the earlier fixture.