FIT AND FIRING

Haaland is stronger than ever after summer surgery, insists Guardiola

PeP Guardiola warned Manchester City’s rivals yesterday that erling Haaland has overcome his persistent fitness problems after the club’s medical department worked wonders with him.

Haaland averaged just 20 league matches a season before joining from Borussia dortmund for £51million and the physicality of the Premier league was a key reason the striker debated a switch to real Madrid.

But after intensive work with City’s sports therapist Mario Pafundi, the Norway international has started every match this season for club and country, scoring 15 goals in 11 games.

Haaland had surgery in the summer, not training for the first week of pre-season, and Pafundi has been working closely with him since — even accompanying the 22-year-old while away with Norway.

‘erling struggled a lot in dortmund last year with injuries and arrived here with small problems after surgery,’ said Guardiola. ‘He started to work with Mario and other guys. Thanks to them — and his work ethic — he can play regularly now. last season it was not possible. i’ve always said to the club that the most important department in the backroom staff is the physios. They take care of the (players’) legs.

‘Thank you to erling and the treatment from the guys. The clubs earn a lot of money when the players can play and most of the time it’s thanks to the physios.’

The Premier league champions can go eight points clear of Manchester united with victory in tomorrow’s derby and Haaland has leant on his father, alfie, for advice on the encounter.

Haaland Snr knows the derby only too well, picking up an injury 21 years ago when roy Keane clattered into his right knee.

‘i will probably speak to my dad about it, yeah. But i know what it’s like and i’m ready,’ said Haaland. ‘i’m excited, it will be a great experience.’

Kick-off: Tomorrow 2pm, Etihad. TV: LIVE on Sky Sports from 1pm