Manchester City FC could ignite its race to the English Premier League summit in the second leg of the 2023/2024 season.
This followed reports of the return of striker Erling Haaland and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who have been off action due to injury.
The Citizens’s coach Pep Guardiola said that he hopes Haaland will be back in the new year, since injuring his foot a few weeks ago, PL reported.
Haaland misses major Man City matches
The Norwegian professional footballer didn’t feature in Manchester City’s success at the FIFA Club World Cup.
“Still he’s not with the team. He feels better but he hasn’t made one training session with us. Hopefully, in January he can come back with us,” said Guardiola.
Haaland is likely to miss this weekend’s match against Sheffield United and possibly their FA Cup third-round tie with Huddersfield Town on January 7, 2024, as well as their encounter with Newcastle United on January 13, 2024.
Kevin De Bruyne back to action
Guardiola noted that midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is nearing a return to action, after injuring a hamstring on the opening weekend of the season.
“Last week he trained with us, today he had a little bit of fatigue because he’s training hard,” Guardiola added.
The Sky Blues are currently in fourth place, after their 3-1 win against Everton on Wednesday, December 27, and are five points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
Race to Premier League Summit
However, the champions boast a match in hand, with 37 points, having played 18 matches, winning 11, drawing 3 and losing 4 matches.
Liverpool have played 19 games, winning 12, drawing 6 and losing 1, to maintain the top spot at 42 points.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has said that the race to the Premier League 2023/24 summit is getting tougher and they are determined to win the competition.
Salah revealed that the Anfield club will keep fighting to do better, following a 1-1 draw against league leaders Arsenal.
Arsenal are second placed after playing 18 games, winning 12, drawing 4 and losing 2, with 40 points and a game at hand.
