Fit-again Haaland available for City and Walker to remain skipper

Erling Haaland is set to return for Manchester City as the champions host struggling Burnley in the Premier League this evening.

The prolific Norway striker has been out of action for almost two months with a foot injury.

Manager Pep Guardiola said: "Apparently he will be [available to be] selected. For the first time he is back."

Haaland, 23, scored 52 goals last season in a remarkable first campaign with the club and had already netted 19 for the club this term when he sustained the injury in early December. He returned to training earlier this month and is now at least likely to be included in the matchday squad to face the Clarets.

Guardiola said yesterday: "When we have all the squad, we are stronger, definitely and Erling is an important player for us, definitely.

"He has been two months out, it is a long time, but he feels good. We have to train this afternoon but apparently tomorrow he will be with all of us."

Guardiola made clear that he would not be stripping Kyle Walker of the captaincy following revelations about the England defender's private life.

Walker was nominated as skipper earlier this season following a vote by the squad.

Asked if the 33-year-old would retain the armband, Guardiola said: "Absolutely because it's a decision for the team and not mine."

Guardiola refused to speak further about any matters concerning Walker. "I'm not going to talk about that, not at all," he said. "I support him and [wife] Annie and his family and I don't talk one word about personal issues of my players."