Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is poised to make his return to action this weekend, according to manager Pep Guardiola. Haaland has been sidelined since March due to an ankle injury he sustained during an FA Cup match against Bournemouth. His timely recovery comes ahead of the FA Cup final later this month, where City will face Crystal Palace.

Guardiola confirmed Haaland's fitness ahead of City's Premier League clash against Southampton, stating, "He is ready, he is fit." However, he left open the possibility of whether Haaland would start the match. The Norwegian international has been a key player for City, having scored 21 goals in 28 Premier League appearances this season, making him the team's top scorer.

City currently sits third in the Premier League, three points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, as they fight for a top-five finish to secure Champions League football for next season. Guardiola has described this season as particularly challenging, citing injuries and a lack of performance consistency as contributing factors to their struggles. Despite the difficulties, he remains hopeful for a strong finish, with the FA Cup final on the horizon.

In a recent interview, Haaland acknowledged the team's struggles this season, attributing them to a loss of "hunger" within the squad. Guardiola echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for players to communicate and address their collective mindset moving forward. As City prepares for crucial matches in both the league and cup, the return of Haaland is expected to provide a significant boost as they aim to salvage their season.