Erling Haaland Still Not Injury-Free Despite Impressive Comeback Against Fulham

Erling Haaland is still not injury-free despite making an impressive contribution as a substitute in Saturday's 2-1 win over Fulham, according to Pep Guardiola.

Erling Haaland is still not injury-free despite making an impressive contribution as a substitute in Saturday's 2-1 win over Fulham.

The striker had missed City's games against Leicester and Sevilla after sustaining ligament damage in his foot during a 0-0 draw with Dortmund.

But he was deemed fit enough to come on as a substitute against Fulham.

Haaland scored a last-minute penalty after having had an earlier goal disallowed for offside as City claimed three points despite being down to 10 men.

City now have two matches left to play before the club season breaks for the World Cup.

It remains unclear whether Haaland will feature in either after City manager Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday: "He is still not perfect."

Erling Haaland sustained an injury during Manchester City's 0-0 draw with Dortmund in October :: IMAGO/Uwe Kraft

As quoted by the Manchester Evening News, he added: "We will see tomorrow and on Saturday.

"He is getting better. It's important the bone is not broken, it's not damaged, just ligament damage a little. It's not perfect right now. In one week or 10 days anything can happen."

City play Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday before taking on Brentford in the Premier League at the weekend.

Haaland should be fresh when the Premier League returns on December 26 as Norway will not be involved in the World Cup.

But Norway will play two friendlies before Qatar 2022 - against Ireland on November 17 and against Finland three days later.

On whether he would be happy to see Haaland play in those games, Guardiola replied: "If he feels good… playing for the national team is important for the players.

"I never avoid the players when they are going to play for the national team."