Maresca says Haaland available for Aston Villa match

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said Erling Haaland is available for Saturday’s Premier League match at Aston Villa, while three teammates’ fitness remained uncertain ahead of a training session on Thursday. Maresca said Haaland was the only one of the four players whose availability was certain. Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic were improving, he said, but their status would depend on the afternoon session. The trio had not been included in City’s squad for the midweek match against AEK Athens. Haaland was left on the bench for the full match as City beat AEK 5-1 in the Champions League. He had also been substituted late in the previous weekend’s Premier League win over Ipswich Town after scoring twice. Maresca said Haaland was fit to play if needed against AEK and confirmed his availability for the Villa fixture. Phil Foden scored a hat-trick against AEK. Maresca said he had spoken with Foden about his importance to the team and described helping the midfielder return to his best as part of his responsibility. Foden’s three goals made it four in two matches, according to the reports. Maresca also said Haaland, Foden and Rayan Cherki could play together,...