Pep Guardiola speaks about Erling Haaland's availability for the next game

According to recent statements by Pep Guardiola, his Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is set to be available for the next fixture in the English Premier League. Haaland has missed several games this season due to injury. Guardiola confirmed that the player is now ready and will feature against relegation-battling Southampton.

Speaking to the media, Pep Guardiola hinted that Erling Haaland could start the game against the 20th-placed St. Mary’s outfit.

He is ready, he is fit. [If he will] start, we will see tomorrow

In the ongoing campaign, Manchester City have struggled in the absence of Erling Haaland. They are neither at the top of the table nor have they had success in various competitions, having exited multiple tournaments. While the Etihad-based outfit may still secure a Champions League spot, their only remaining hope of winning silverware rests on the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on 17th May.

When asked about the poor form of the side in the league, Erling Haaland acknowledged that while one can point to excuses and injuries, the reality is that the players have simply not performed well enough. He also criticised his teammates for lacking hunger and admitted that the team has not been good enough throughout the ongoing campaign. Erling Haaland said:

You can find excuses, injuries, many injuries at bad times, but in the end, we haven't been performing well enough

We haven't had fully the hunger inside us. I haven't been good enough. I haven't helped the team enough. In the end, we just haven't been good enough

When asked about the statement made by the Norwegian striker, Pep Guardiola responded by saying that if that is how Haaland feels, then the players need to speak to each other and reflect on why they are performing poorly. He said:

If it's a feeling for Erling, the players should talk to each other and ask themselves why.

What's next for Manchester City? 

Manchester City are all set to face Southampton in Gameweek 36, and with just three matches remaining in the league, they will be aiming to finish as high as possible and secure a Champions League spot, while also keeping their focus on winning the FA Cup.