Guardiola confirms the duo are available as Haaland’s new record heightens expectations. Haaland Rodri available Bournemouth match. In a major boost for Manchester City, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that star striker Erling Haaland and midfield powerhouse Rodri will both be available for Sunday’s Premier League encounter with AFC Bournemouth. The Norwegian marksman is fully fit, and the Spaniard, returning from injury, is deemed ready to contribute. The timing coincides with Haaland’s latest record-breaking achievement, underscoring how crucial his presence is for City’s push.
Guardiola was unequivocal when asked about Haaland’s availability. The manager said simply: “Yes.” Haaland had suffered a knock in the team’s recent defeat to Aston Villa, but the injury proved minor. He skipped the midweek League Cup match against Swansea City as a precaution but is back in contention. Rodri’s situation is slightly different. He has been out for some time following a serious knee injury and a hamstring issue, yet Guardiola revealed that the midfielder is “ready to help”. That said, the manager did not guarantee a start for the 28-year-old central figure. Given Rodri’s importance in linking defence and attack, even his presence on the bench will offer City a strategic edge.
For City, the availability of both players is a timely injection of confidence. Haaland leads the Golden Boot race and remains the focal point of the club’s attacking game. His fitness ensures the team can utilise its usual cutting edge against Bournemouth. Meanwhile, Rodri’s return offers stability and depth in midfield a component City badly missed during his absence. Haaland’s recent milestone adds further narrative weight to this upcoming fixture. The striker recently became the quickest player in Premier League history to reach 50 goals, doing so in just 48 games. He has also broken the record for the most goals in a Premier League season. These landmarks underline the calibre of the player City are fortunate to have available.
That record-breaking context elevates the significance of his return. It sends a clear message: City have their talisman back, ready to deliver when needed. His form creates both expectation and pressure not just to perform, but to dominate. That dual dynamic elevates the match against Bournemouth into more than just a routine fixture. Turning to Bournemouth, they arrive in strong form and with confidence. They have been unbeaten in eight matches, a run that has raised eyebrows around the league. The Cherries have emerged as a surprise package this season, and facing City with both Haaland and Rodri available represents a sterner test than many of their previous opponents. From Manchester City’s perspective, the stakes are high.
The team must close the gap on the league leaders and maintain momentum. With these two key players back, Thursday’s pre-match announcement offers a psychological boost. Opponents are no longer hoping to face a depleted City; instead they must plan for a near-full strength squad. Guardiola’s measured comments reflect both confidence and caution. On Haaland he spoke with clarity; on Rodri he tempered expectations with realism. This demonstrates tactical mindfulness. While the availability of talent is important, fitness, rhythm, and match sharpness still matter. Guardiola appears intent on managing both carefully. In the final analysis, the campaign for City gains fresh impetus.
The news that Haaland and Rodri are available injects energy into the squad and into the wider fan base. That energy matters in tight title races and crucial fixtures. The records Haaland is rewriting add glamour, but also underline that City must convert potential into wins. As Sunday approaches, all eyes will be on the opening XI and how Guardiola chooses to deploy his fit stars. Will Rodri start, or be eased in? How will Haaland be used after his knock? And how will Bournemouth respond to facing one of the most complete versions of City this season?
Whatever the answers, the message is clear: Manchester City are at significantly less disadvantage than many expected. With their two best available starters now back in contention, and with Haaland on track to extend his record-breaking run, Sunday’s match is shaping up to be urgent, tactical and potentially decisive.
