Pep Guardiola provides Manchester City fitness update before Nottingham Forest visit as Erling Haaland and Nico O’Reilly face checks
Manchester City will assess Erling Haaland and Nico O’Reilly in training before confirming their availability for Wednesday night’s Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest.
Pep Guardiola’s side return to the Etihad Stadium in strong form, unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions and winners of their last six, as they continue to hunt down Arsenal at the top of the table.
However, Guardiola has a couple of fitness concerns to manage, with his side five points off top spot with a game less than the Gunners.
Haaland was absent from Saturday’s 0-1 win at Leeds United after sustaining a knock in training. The Norwegian striker’s absence raised eyebrows, particularly given his importance to City’s attacking output during the run-in.
Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Guardiola indicated that a final decision would be made after the squad completed their latest session.
“Erling feels much better but yesterday we didn’t train and now we have training and will decide today,” the City boss explained.
The update suggests optimism, though Guardiola stopped short of guaranteeing the striker’s involvement against Forest.
Nico O’Reilly is also being monitored. The youngster was forced off midway through the second half at Elland Road after appearing to twist his ankle. Like Haaland, his status will depend on how he responds in training.
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“It’s the same with Nico. We will decide after training,” Guardiola added.
New week, let’s go! 👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/LTWg9ElkOt
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) March 2, 2026
City building momentum
Despite the minor injury concerns, City’s momentum remains undeniable. The narrow victory over Leeds extended their unbeaten streak and maintained pressure in the title race, while progress in domestic and European competitions has kept hopes of a multi-trophy campaign alive.
Nottingham Forest’s visit presents another opportunity to strengthen that position, but Guardiola will want clarity on Haaland’s condition before finalising his plans.
The Norwegian has been central to City’s attacking rhythm this season, and even a slight issue tends to attract significant attention.
With training set to determine the final call, City supporters will await confirmation on Haaland’s involvement as Guardiola looks to keep his side’s impressive run intact.