Erling Haaland is fit to start for Manchester City against Arsenal in this weekend’s Community Shield clash.
The Norway international, who scored twice in three appearances against the Gunners last season, provided supporters with a mini scare after sitting out the final part of Thursday’s open training session.
However, Enzo Maresca has insisted his star striker is available for selection in Cardiff.
"He was ok, he had just a small thing behind ears, but he was ok,” the Italian said during the pre-match press conference on Friday.
Though Haaland is healthy, he did not feature at all during pre-season because he was given an extended break after helping Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
As such, he may have to settle for a place on the bench as the in-form Omar Marmoush leads the line after netting a brace in the 3-1 friendly win over Atletico Madrid.
With Tijjani Reijnders’ move to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah set to be finalised before the Arsenal game, Maresca will be forced to name a new midfield partner for Mateo Kovacic.
Rico Lewis is an option having started there in the win over K-League Allstars.
As is £116million summer signing Elliot Anderson, thus making his Man City debut, but the England international has only recently returned to training, along with Marc Guehi and Rayan Cherki, so Nico Gonzalez may get the nod.
Rodri is back at Man City following minor back surgery, but is still in the rehabilitation phase which suggests the Arsenal game comes too soon for him to feature.
Rayan Ait-Nouri has caught the eye during pre-season and is pushing for a start at left-back which would mean Josko Gvardiol moving inside to partner Ruben Dias at the heart of the City defence.
Phil Foden is set to start in the No10 role, with Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku - fresh off signing a brand new contract - completing the attacking trio behind the main striker.
Predicted Man City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Kovacic, Nico; Semenyo, Foden, Doku; Marmoush
Injured: Rodri
Doubts: Savinho, McAidoo
Time and date: 3pm BST on Sunday, August 16, 2026
How to watch: TNT Sports
Venue: Principality Stadium
