Enzo Maresca says Erling Haaland is 100% available for Manchester City’s trip to Aston Villa on Saturday. 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. They aim to extend their perfect Premier League start after seven wins from their opening seven matches.
They arrive on the back of a 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens, when Maresca rotated his starting line-up. Haaland, who already has 12 goals this season, stayed on the bench for that fixture. O’Reilly, Kovačić and Nunes were not involved.
The squad train today, and Maresca says the trio’s fitness will be assessed in that session.
“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.”
Maresca: Too early to rule out title rivals
City sit three points clear at the top of the Premier League. Maresca says it is far too early to discount any rivals in the title race. He added that the squad’s pleasure with their start 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 under Emery
Unai Emery’s Villa side will provide a stern challenge. They beat Viking 3-1 on Wednesday night to maintain a 100% record in the Champions League. The Villans are unbeaten in their last seven matches and 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.”
Brighton 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 U18 tickets cost £1, and supporters can buy up to six tickets per person.
The match falls during the half-term school holidays. A Kids Fanzone will run at the City Football Academy, just over the road from the stadium, ahead of kick-off. Hospitality is also available from £100, with a range of packages on offer.