Huge Man City injury worry relieved as Erling Haaland returns but trio missing in Champions League

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COMMENTSManchester City fans will be mightily relieved to see Erling Haaland on the substitutes bench against AEK Athens this evening.

There had been a serious concern about the Norwegian’s fitness, after the striker was seen limping following the 3-2 win over Ipswich Town at the weekend.

The No9 scored twice at the Etihad Stadium in that victory, and there were worries that he would be sidelined for the Champions League encounter against AEK on Tuesday.

That, however, was not the case, with the former Borussia Dortmund man taking his place on the bench, while youngster Floyd Samba deputised up front for Enzo Maresca’s men.

Included: Erling HaalandPAThe Italian head coach had cast doubts over Haaland’s appearance after the forward was not seen in training yesterday.

“He can be available,” Maresca said on Monday. “We’ll see. We have a session now and we have some doubts after Sunday’s game.

“He was quite good yesterday. Better. So we’ll see today.

“Replacing Erling is always difficult. We have some different options and we’ll see tomorrow.

“It depends a little bit on the gameplan and also there is a chance he can be available tomorrow.”

Worry: Nico O’ReillyPAThere are three other concerns, however, with Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic all spotted in discomfort after the Ipswich match.

There had been hope that the trio would all be fit for this match, but none of them have made the matchday squad in another twist.

It remains to be seen as to whether they are just being rested ahead of the trip to Aston Villa, or whether there are more underlying issues that City must contend with, having lost Antoine Semenyo for eight weeks to a knee injury.