Enzo Maresca says Erling Haaland is 100% available for Manchester City’s trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, but the City boss will assess the fitness of Nico O’Reilly, Mateo Kovačić and Matheus Nunes before making a decision.
City travel to Villa Park for a 12:30 (UK) kick-off, aiming to extend their perfect Premier League start after seven wins from their opening seven matches.
They go into the game on the back of a 5-1 victory over AEK Athens in the Champions League, when Maresca rotated his starting line-up. Haaland, who has 12 goals already this season, remained on the bench, while O’Reilly, Kovačić and Nunes were not involved.
Fitness of trio to be assessed
The squad have a training session today, and Maresca says the fitness of the trio will be assessed before a decision is made.
“We have a session this afternoon – all of them can be available or not,” he said in his pre-match news conference.
“In terms of [those] still in doubt, yesterday they were all improving and we will this afternoon.
“Erling is the only one 100% available. And the other three we need to wait for today’s session.”
Title race “too early” to call
City are three points clear at the top of the Premier League, but Maresca says it is far too early to discount any rivals in the title race. He added that, while he and the squad are pleased with the start, it has only increased their appetite to keep challenging.
“The mood is very good,” Maresca said. “I said many times the mood is good.
“We are happy with our start but we are more hungry for more wins. We’re happy at the moment but want more.
“It’s too early [to say teams are not in the title race]. Seven games, there are many games to go. It’s too early.”
Villa a tough test
Villa are sure to provide a stern challenge. Unai Emery’s side won 3-1 against Viking on Wednesday night to maintain a 100% record in the Champions League. Unbeaten in their last seven matches, they are certain to put City’s impressive start under pressure.
“I have huge respect for Unai,” Maresca said. “He has done well in all of his clubs he has been and he is fantastic manager.
“They are a very good team. You can recognise the team and you can see clearly what they want.
“They are very intense off the ball. They are in a good mood, they are winning games and I’m sure 100% that it will be a tough game.”
Carabao Cup tickets: £20 for adults, £1 for U18s
Tickets are now on sale for City’s Carabao Cup fourth round meeting with Brighton. City host Fabian Hurzeler’s side at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 28 October.
Adult tickets start from just £20, all U18s pay only £1, and fans can buy up to six tickets per person.
The match takes place during the half-term school holidays, and there will be plenty to do beforehand, with a Kids Fanzone just over the road at the City Football Academy ahead of kick-off.
Hospitality is also available from just £100, with a range of packages on offer.