Manchester City have been handed a massive fitness boost with both Erling Haaland and Rodri available for selection for their Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Sunday (November 2).
Guardiola confirmed in his press conference on Friday (October 31) that both players will be available following their respective knocks.
Haaland, who is currently leading the league race with 11 league goals, picked up a knock during City’s defeat to Aston Villa last weekend and was rested for their 3-1 EFL Cup win over Swansea City on Wednesday (October 29).
Rodri, meanwhile, has been sidelined for four matches with a hamstring issue.
The Ballon d’Or winner has struggled to find consistency since making his return to the pitch from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that saw him spend almost the entire 2024-25 campaign on the sidelines.
Both players, however, are expected to feature against Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, who are enjoying a brilliant start to the season in second place.
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Pep provides fitness updates
Asked about Haaland’s availability at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola gave a succinct response: “Yes.”
On Rodri, he added: “I think he will be ready to help us. I don’t know whether he can from the beginning, but hopefully he can be with us.
“Everybody is desperate to play. He has been out a few times, and we all know how important he is for us.”
Despite their return, though, Guardiola is not taking anything for granted as City welcome the high-flying Cherries to the Etihad Stadium, believing that their impressive performances are a result of the highly-competitive nature of the Premier League.
Pep 💬 (Injury updates) Yeah, [Erling Haaland is fit].
I think he [Rodri] will be ready to help. I don’t know if he will be able to play from the beginning, but hopefully he can be with us. pic.twitter.com/H8rf2PhZD1
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 31, 2025
“I remember when I was in Munich or Barcelona, I always heard that in England, everyone could beat everyone,” Guardiola added.
“Maybe Liverpool and ourselves in the past changed that dynamic because we were so consistent, arriving every season with 90 points, 90 points, 90 points, close to 100 points.
“But I think the Premier League has always been like this. At some point, like the NBA, there won’t be a dominant team.
“In the last five or six years, there is always one different team, and everyone can beat everyone. For the spectators and for the show of the Premier League, it is really, really good.”
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