Pep Guardiola has revealed that Erling Braut Haaland is "ready" to play for Manchester City against Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday.
The 22-year-old was unable to recover in time from a groin injury for last weekend's 4-1 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.
However, Haaland reported back to training on Tuesday and has since taken part in full sessions with his teammates.
City managed to cope without the presence of Haaland up front against Liverpool, but the Norwegian's return will be welcomed by Guardiola and co having found the net 42 times in just 37 games across all competitions this season.
Haaland is the Premier League's top scorer this term with 28 goals in 26 appearances, and he will be looking to increase his tally when he travels with the matchday squad to St Mary's for Saturday's contest.
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Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: "He trained really good in the last two days, so he will be ready."
Asked whether Haaland needs minutes under his belt ahead of next Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich, Guardiola added: "Bayern is our last thoughts it's Southampton – the Premier League is every day, every week. Depends on that."
City head into Saturday's game having already beaten Southampton in the Premier League this season, claiming a comfortable 4-0 home victory in October, but Guardiola is expecting a challenging encounter against Ruben Selles's side who sit bottom of the table and are battling to avoid relegation.
"Already, they've played a few games with the manager so the patterns are quite clear," said Guardiola. "Now every team is playing for something, it's the same importance to fight for the Premier League as it is to stay in the Premier League.
"That's why every game has its own characteristics and you have to be ready, because Southampton have always been so tough.
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"Since the year we got 100 points (2017-18 campaign) in the 94th minute, the game we won they were much, much better than us.
"After the games we play really good, we draw. Always it has been a tough tough game and I have a feeling tomorrow won't be an exception."
Guardiola has also reiterated that City – who have won their last four league games – must continue their winning run and cannot afford to drop points if they are to successfully chase down leaders Arsenal, who sit eight points clear having played a game more.
"If we drop points Arsenal will be champions in advance, if we win, win, win, we might be champions at the end of the season," Guardiola added. "We are used to [focussing on a game a time], it's not a problem."
The Citizens will reduce the gap at the summit to five points with a win over Southampton before the Gunners take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Oliver Thomas
