Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit to return for Manchester City’s forthcoming Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, while key midfielder Rodri is edging closer to involvement, albeit without a guarantee of starting.
The two names dominate the City boss’s selection update on the eve of what could be one of their most pivotal matches of the season so far.
During his pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola offered a succinct but decisive update on Haaland’s condition. When asked whether the forward was available, he responded simply, “Yeah.”
Haaland, who leads the league with 11 goals in nine games, had sustained a knock after clattering into a post in the closing moments of City’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last week. Having been rested in the midweek League Cup win over Swansea, his readiness to return offers a major boost to a City side that sits just two points behind Bournemouth in the early standings.
On Rodri, Guardiola was more cautious. The Spaniard has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and has not featured since the league win at Brentford before the international break. The manager commented, “I think he’ll be ready to help. I don’t know if from the beginning, but hopefully he can be with us.” He added, “And 18 more players too. Everybody is desperate to play. He has been out a few times and we know how important he is for us.”
City approach the clash conscious that Bournemouth, under manager Andoni Iraola, are enjoying their best-ever top-flight start, unbeaten in eight league matches and sitting second in the table. Guardiola admitted, “That’s a question for Iraola… The team, manager, players, a tough opponent, but we know that.”
For a Manchester City side that currently find themselves fifth and six points behind the league leaders, the return of Haaland is critical. The Norwegian’s goal-scoring form continues to be one of the main pillars of City’s title aspirations.
His absence in the midweek cup tie was a reminder of his importance. With him back, the strike force regains full potency and the side’s attacking balance is restored.
Meanwhile, Rodri’s possible return adds another dimension. His value to this City side cannot be understated, his presence in midfield often anchors their ball retention and transition game.
Even if he does not start, having him in the squad restores a deeper pool of options for Guardiola. The Spanish international’s control and composure on the ball have often been cited as the foundations of City’s rhythm, and his reintroduction, even gradually, could mark a turning point after a patchy run of form.
Guardiola also used the press conference to pay tribute to Phil Foden, who is set to make his 200th appearance for the club. “It has been an honour for me to see these 200 games and the impact he has made for us and the club of his heart,” Guardiola said.
“It is a good milestone, especially for his age.” Foden, now an integral part of City’s attacking system, has evolved under Guardiola’s management into one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League.
In assessing Bournemouth, the City boss singled out their forward Antoine Semenyo, noting that the way Bournemouth play suits him perfectly. “He is an extraordinary player,” he stated. Bournemouth’s pace, pressing and confidence mean City cannot take this fixture lightly, even at the Etihad.
Guardiola warned that the visitors’ direct style and energy could pose challenges, especially if his side fail to control transitions effectively.
City’s form has been inconsistent in recent weeks, marked by narrow defeats and fatigue from a busy schedule. Yet Guardiola’s tone suggested confidence that his squad’s depth, experience and hunger remain intact.
With Haaland fit again, the focus now turns to rediscovering their sharpness in front of goal and asserting their dominance in midfield, an area that has visibly suffered in Rodri’s absence.