The Norwegian is expected to start while Rodri could come off the bench
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that both Erling Haaland and Rodri could be available when Manchester City host in-form Bournemouth on Sunday.
Haaland is City’s highest scorer with 11 goals in nine games, 10 more than any of his teammates, but he was a concern for the weekend’s fixture after colliding with a post in the closing minutes of City’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa last week.
Guardiola said it was just a knock and the striker has trained this week. He is expected to start. Rodri has missed several weeks after suffering a setback in his recovery from last season’s knee injury, but could make an appearance again at the weekend.
“I think he will be ready to help,” said Guardiola. “I don’t know if he will be able to play from the beginning, but hopefully he can be with us.”
The fixture against Bournemouth is significant for Phil Foden, who could be making his 200th appearance for the club. The England international made his debut for City in 2017. Guardiola has managed him all that time.
City’s manager said: “It has been an honour for me to see these 200 games and the impact he has made for us and the club of his heart. It is a good milestone, especially for his age.”
Foden complained earlier this year of physical and mental exhaustion and said he needed some rest. He has not been called up to the England squad since and he faces a fight for his return, with several in-form players drawing manager Thomas Tuchel’s attention.
Asked whether Foden deserves a recall to the squad, Guardiola said: “That is a question for Thomas. He has to play as best as possible. English players are fantastic and in his position there are many.
“He has to play good every day and, after that, Thomas will decide the best for the national team.”
