Erling Haaland has eased fears over his fitness by training ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Young Boys.
The prolific Norway striker had been a doubt for the Group G clash at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday after twisting his ankle in the victory over Bournemouth at the weekend.
Haaland, who has scored 13 goals this season, showed no obvious sign of discomfort as he participated in a training session open to media on Monday afternoon.
Earlier in the day manager Pep Guardiola had said the 23-year-old would be given every opportunity to prove his fitness and that Sunday’s trip to Chelsea would not influence his thinking.
“Yesterday he told me he felt much better than the day of the game but I don’t know,” said Guardiola at a press conference.
“I will listen to the doctors and himself. If he says he is ready and does not have pain I will consider to let him to play because from Tuesday to Sunday there’s a lot of days to recover.”
After winning their opening three games in the competition, Champions League holders City can secure their place in the last-16 with a second victory over the Swiss champions following their 3-1 success in Bern last month.
“Tomorrow we have to try to do it, to finish it,” Guardiola said. “There will be more opportunities, but we have the chance to finish and qualify for February, for the next stage, and it means a lot for the club.
“Being there is a success and every time we qualify is really good.”
Reaching the next stage at the earliest opportunity would potentially allow Guardiola to rotate his squad and prioritise the Premier League fixtures against Liverpool and Tottenham that sandwich their next European outing against RB Leipzig on November 28.
Guardiola, however, maintains there will be no easing up before top spot in the group has been finalised.
He said: “We are not (definitely) first. To try to be first, to have the chance to play the second game (of the last-16 tie) at home, that definitely is better.”
Guardiola, who was speaking to media to preview the Young Boys game, was also quizzed on the Premier League’s latest VAR controversy.
Arsenal branded the standard of officiating in the competition as “unacceptable” over the weekend after they lost to a contentious goal at Newcastle.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta had said the decision to allow Newcastle’s winner, after a triple VAR check, was an “absolute disgrace”.
Guardiola said: “The emotion after the game, it is difficult for the managers right after we finish, being here and talking about the feelings. It’s difficult to handle it.
“But I’m talking for myself. I’m not talking for Mikel or for any other manager.
“It’s so sensitive an issue right now. It’s difficult for the referees too, for everyone. Honestly I don’t have a clear opinion.”
Guardiola was joined for prematch media duties by Rico Lewis.
The 18-year-old defender or midfielder was recently described by Guardiola as “one of the best” young players he has trained.
Lewis said: “It’s quite difficult to comprehend that someone like that would say something like that about myself. Obviously it’s an amazing comment, but I’ve got to carry on doing what I can do.”
Manchester City v Bournemouth player ratings
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Very little to do but contributed with some typically sharp distribution. Getty Images -
Spent most of the game supporting City's numerous attacks. Had a hand in second goal. Getty Images -
A solid presence and joined in with attacks. Can now claim to have literally scored with his backside. Getty Images -
Another assured display from the England defender. Cruised through the game. Reuters -
Had a strong game. Was a threat from set pieces and joined in effectively in attack, being involved in the move that led to the third goal. Scored goal number six against his old club. Getty Images -
Solid and steady, kept the ball moving and formed a strong double act with Rodri in the middle of the pitch. Hooked a decent chance over the bar early in the second half. PA -
Trademark interception to thwart Scott as Bournemouth broke five minutes before the break. Vital presence in midfield. PA -
Electric display from the Belgium international. Tore Bournemouth apart, scoring one and creating four more. AFP -
Another super display from the in-form midfielder. Scored a terrific goal and went close with a long-range curler before the break. Sublime individual goal for City's fifth. AP -
Argentine forward was a lively presence, crossing to create a headed chance for Haaland and linking up well with his fellow attackers. AFP -
Hit the post with a header and then took a touch too many with a chance on the stroke of half-time. Didn't appear after the break. Getty -
CITY SUBS. (on for Haaland 45'): Had a decent 45 after coming on at the break and was rewarded with a goal. Getty Images -
(On for Stones 71'): Another of raft of changes made with City in full control. Reuters -
(On for Alvarez 71'): Came on with City cruising to victory. PA -
(On for Rodri 71'): Slotted into the midfield in closing stages. Getty Images -
(On for Silva 83'): Provided cross for Ake's goal and created late chance for Kovacic. Getty Images -
BOURNEMOUTH RATINGS. Spent the afternoon digging the ball out of the back of the net, even if he could do little about most of them. Getty Images -
Tried to carry the game to City breaking out of defence with the ball. Perfectly delivered assist for Sinisterra. PA -
Did well to unsettle Haaland as he took on a headed chance in the first half. Otherwise an afternoon to forget. AP -
Had a particularly tough time with Doku in the first half. Withdrawn at the break. PA -
Great last-ditch challenge to deny Haaland on stroke of half-time but was given a torrid afternoon by City attack. Getty Images -
Stuck to his task defensively and surged forwards when able. AP -
Nice break forward which unfortunately led to injury as Rodri made strong challenge. Getty Images -
Struggled to make an impact with the ball and was given plenty of problems by City's midfield runners. Reuters -
Could have done more as Doku scored the opener and then completely switched off and lost Silva as he arrived to make it 2-0. AP -
Peripheral figure in first half but showed some nice touches in linking up with Solanke after the break. Getty Images -
Did his best to hold the ball up and give his side a platform. Hit the post with one effort. PA -
BOURNEMOUTH SUBS. (On for Scott 44'): Unable to stem the tide as City ran riot after the break. EPA -
(On for Mepham 45'): Argentine introduced at the break for the struggling Mepham and fared little better. AFP -
(On for Billing 71'): Worked hard for scant reward. PA -
(On for Tavernier 72'): Took his goal well. Kluivert (on for Solanke 85'): N/A. PA
