Haaland close to injury return against Spurs as Man City Guardiola issues update

The superstar striker was not part of the Man City squad as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to league leaders Liverpool at the weekend.

That absence came after Haaland played no part in City's damaging Champions League loss to Real Madrid last week.

He's been carrying a knee issue since he hobbled off against Newcastle on February 15 and hasn't featured since.

Is Erling Haaland fit to play Spurs?

Man City boss Pep Guardiola is hoping that Haaland will have recovered in time to be part of his squad in North London.

Despite not being able to confirm the Norweigan's fitness status, he had some positive words to say in his press conference.

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Guardiola said on Tuesday: "Tonight, we will know it after training. I hope so but I don't know yet.

"He feels better but the last two games he could not play. We'll see tomorrow."

So, Man City are waiting to make a final decision on Haaland until after their last training session before the game.

And that session has now taken place, with Haaland part of it and reportedly showed no signs of any discomfort.

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Guardiola's latest update comes after he revealed that his main man had been in training this week after scans came back positive.

Speaking following the loss to Liverpool on Sunday, he said: "His knee - the moment against Newcastle moved the knee.

"Apparently, he's not injured because the scans dictate that he's fine, but he didn't feel fine.

"I have the feeling it [his return] will be soon because he trained yesterday and made some really good movements, but he said he was not ready and we have to respect that.

"Hopefully he can be back for Spurs."

Man City will want to have Haaland back to lead the line after showing a real lack of quality in the final third last time out.

They had a total of 16 shots against Liverpool, but only five hit the target and they struggled to test Alisson at all.

Haaland's killer instinct in the box and elite finishing could have changed that, but he was forced out of the squad.

To have the 24-year-old back would bring some much-needed threat to a front line lacking that finishing touch.

Phil Foden played furthest forward at Anfield, but that was a huge change in striker profile, with City losing a focal point.

Omar Marmoush has also stepped in to cover Haaland, but again, he's a totally different type of forward to his teammate.

If Haaland is unable to feature against Spurs, it would likely be Marmoush or Foden up front for City again.

talkSPORT 2 will have live exclusive coverage of the game from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with commentary coming from Nigel Adderley and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.

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