Tuesday’s briefing: Man City suffer Haaland injury blow and Saka ‘ready to go’

Manchester City have confirmed Erling Haaland has suffered an injury to his left ankle.

But there was brighter fitness news for both Arsenal and Manchester United ahead of this week’s Premier League fixtures.

Haaland blow for Pep

Pep Guardiola was handed a major injury headache after City confirmed Haaland is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Haaland suffered an ankle injury during City’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win at Bournemouth on Sunday.

The striker had just scored his 30th goal of the season to equalise when he was hurt in a challenge with Cherries midfielder Lewis Cook.

City say Haaland underwent initial tests on his ankle on Monday and will now see a specialist to determine the full extent of the injury.

Guardiola’s side, still facing a battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League, face matches against Leicester and Manchester United this week.

They then have a visit from Crystal Palace and a trip to Everton before their FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, at Wembley on April 26.

The only time frame City could give for Haaland’s recovery was that he should be fit before the end of the season.

Saka fit and ready

Mikel Arteta revealed Bukayo Saka is “ready to go” after hailing his star winger’s imminent return as a massive boost for Arsenal.

Saka has been sidelined since December 21 after he suffered a hamstring tear at Crystal Palace.

But the 23-year-old is poised to end his 96-day absence in Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Fulham at the Emirates on Tuesday night.

“Bukayo is ready to go,” said Arteta. “All the careful things he’s already done, so now it’s about putting him on the grass in the right moments.

“He’s pushing because he really wants it. We have to respect the time frame, but we have done everything and we even had to hold him back.

“It’s another massive weapon that we have. We know the impact that he’s had on the team and how important his role and his contribution is to our success, so great to have him back.”

United getting bodies back

Ruben Amorim said Manchester United’s injury issues are beginning to ease ahead of Tuesday’s return to action at Nottingham Forest.

The Red Devils have seven fixtures in April, including a crucial Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, and start with a return to the East Midlands 16 days after winning 3-0 at embattled Leicester.

Young defender Ayden Heaven went off on a stretcher at the King Power Stadium and remains out for Tuesday’s match at Forest, but Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire were back in training last week.

United goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton were also seen in training on Friday, with Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martinez remaining long-term absentees.

“Luke is not ready yet,” Amorim said. “We are starting doing some drills with the team, but we are building Luke.

“Mason Mount is feeling better, but he was already on the bench for the last game. I think Kobbie (Mainoo) is almost returning also, but he’s not ready for this game.

“Jonny Evans is recovering, Ayden is recovering. Licha is out. Maguire is also ready to go to the game. Yoro, yes.”

Asked about the severity of Heaven’s injury given the concerning way he left the field, Amorim said: “No, it was not so serious, so he’s recovering.

“He’s not ready to play, but he’s going to return this season for sure.”

What’s on today?

The Premier League (remember that?) returns with Arsenal looking to cut Liverpool’s lead at the top to nine points when they host Fulham.

Wolves can move further clear of relegation trouble if they beat West Ham at Molineux, and FA Cup semi-finalists Forest go back to the day job of trying to strengthen their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a visit from Amorim’s Red Devils.