Could Erling Haaland return against Nottingham Forest on Sunday?

Could Erling Haaland return to the Manchester City squad for this Sunday’s crucial Premier League fixture at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest? City’s number 9 has missed the champions past two games with a muscle injury.

Speaking after his team’s dominant 4-nil win over Brighton Pep Guardiola was asked if Haaland could return on Sunday. The City manager replied when asked about Haaland’s injury status “I prefer to have Erling at my disposal than to have it [the squad without him]. I spoke with him, and he says he feels better. I don’t know.”

Given the quality of City’s performance last night, there isn’t a need to rush Erling Haaland back from his muscle injury. The champions were at their rampant best at the Amex Stadium during their dominant win over Brighton. Their 4-nil win was one of their best performances of the season, especially in the first half.

There was also the added bonus of Julian Alvarez returning to the scoresheet overnight. City’s World Cup winner looked back to the form he showed earlier in the season with a dynamic display. His goal capped off another hard-working performance from the striker, and his goal was a fitting reward for his work throughout the match.

With Manchester City in form and Julian Alvarez looking back to his best, it could afford the champions the luxury of easing Erling Haaland back from injury. While every game for the remainder of the season is crucial, Pep Guardiola could deploy his top scorer as a pinch hitter off the bench if he does return against Nottingham Forest.