FA Cup final: Man City receive huge player boost ahead of fixture

Manchester City Receive Major Boost as Haaland Returns to Training Ahead of Crucial Fixtures

Manchester City have been handed a significant boost ahead of a packed fixture schedule, including the upcoming FA Cup final, as star striker Erling Haaland has resumed full training following an ankle injury.

The 24-year-old Norwegian, who picked up the injury during City’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth on March 30, had been undergoing a tailored rehabilitation program. He has now rejoined first-team training, although the timeline for his competitive return remains unclear.

Manager Pep Guardiola is expected to offer further details in his press conference on Thursday, ahead of City’s Premier League clash with Wolves on Friday at 8:00 PM WAT.

Rodri Injury update

Manchester City Receive Double Injury Boost as Rodri and Haaland Return to Training

Manchester City’s squad depth has been significantly bolstered ahead of a critical run-in, with both Erling Haaland and Rodri returning to first-team training.

Following Haaland’s earlier confirmed comeback from an ankle injury sustained in March’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth, 28-year-old midfielder Rodri has now also resumed full training after a prolonged absence. The Spanish international—recently crowned the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner—has been out of action since suffering a ruptured ACL last year.

Rodri had been spotted undergoing individual drills at City’s Etihad Campus earlier in the year, and while his progress has been promising, his full return to match action is likely to coincide with the FIFA Club World Cup in June, rather than the remaining Premier League games or the FA Cup final on May 17 at Wembley.

Manager Pep Guardiola praised Rodri’s commitment last week, saying:

“Rodri performs well in every training session with us, and he is eager to play. However, the medical team needs to give the green light for him to receive minutes. I trust their judgment in this matter.”

City, currently fourth in the Premier League, have relinquished the title to newly crowned champions Liverpool, ending their four-year reign. However, they still have silverware to fight for, starting with Wolves on Friday night, followed by the FA Cup final showdown against Crystal Palace.