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Rob Dawson, Correspondent
Pep Guardiola has confirmed Erling Haaland is fit to return for Manchester City against Burnley on Wednesday after nearly two months out with a foot injury.
Haaland hasn’t featured since the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Dec. 6. He resumed training during the trip to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup before Christmas.
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Haaland, 22, has scored 19 goals this season despite missing the past 10 games and is set to return to the squad against Burnley this week.
“First time he is back,” Guardiola told a news conference on Tuesday.
“We have all the squad, we are stronger. He is an important player for us.”
Guardiola has previously suggested midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will be eased back in gently following a five-month absence with a hamstring injury but hinted Haaland might be ready to come straight back into the team at the Etihad on Wednesday.
“Haaland had a stress of the bone, so it is a completely different approach, but step by step,” he said.
City face Burnley on the back of a seven-match winning run, including the 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the FA Cup on Friday.
Guardiola’s team sit five behind leaders Liverpool at the top of the Premier League as they head into the second half of the season looking for a record fourth title in a row.
“It’s one game at a time,” Guardiola said.
“We made these [winning] runs in the past because it was just one game. It’s Burnley, Burnley, Burnley.
“It doesn’t matter what we have done in the past but I am delighted we have almost all of the squad fit. [Manuel Akanji] is back. He trained really well without knee problems and John [Stones] as well.
“That is the best news for an important part of the season. Of course with the FA Cup and Champions League, it is important to have everybody.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola has confirmed Kyle Walker will remain City captain despite revelations made about the England defender’s private life.
Walker gave a media interview explaining his actions and apologising to his family and although Guardiola refused to discuss the situation, he said the 33-year-old will remain club captain.
“Absolutely, because it’s a decision for the team and not mine,” the City manager said.
“I’m not going to talk about that. Not at all. I support him and don’t talk one word about the personal issues of my players.”