Manchester City and Erling Haaland have avoided a major injury scare ahead of their Champions League showdown with Real Madrid. The two sides are set to face off in the first leg of their semi-final tie on Wednesday night, and it was feared that Haaland had picked up a knock in Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
However, the Norwegian striker has been given the all-clear and is expected to be fit for the game at the Etihad Stadium. The news will come as a huge relief to City boss Pep Guardiola, who had been sweating on the fitness of his star striker.
Haaland has been in sensational form this season, scoring 43 goals in all competitions for Dortmund, and his presence in the City attack will be crucial if they are to progress to the final. The 20-year-old has already scored four times against Madrid this season, including a hat-trick in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
City will also be boosted by the return of Kevin De Bruyne, who has recovered from a hamstring injury and is expected to start against Madrid. The Belgian midfielder has been in outstanding form this season, scoring 10 goals and registering 15 assists in all competitions.
City will be looking to reach their first Champions League final since 2016, when they lost to Real Madrid in the semi-finals. Guardiola’s side have been in excellent form this season, winning the Carabao Cup and sitting at the top of the Premier League table.
The first leg of the semi-final between Manchester City and Real Madrid will take place on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium. With both teams at full strength, it promises to be an enthralling contest between two of Europe’s top sides.
