— (Reuters) Erling Haaland has overcome injury problems that have hindered him in recent seasons, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who also defended the Premier League club’s choice to send a physiotherapist along with the striker on international duty.
Despite battling a hip flexor injury last season, Haaland, who transferred to City from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, has played in all seven of City’s league games this year and has 11 goals to his name.
Upon being questioned about City physio Mario Pafundi travelling with the Norwegian striker over the break, Guardiola provided the following statement to the media: “It’s not strange. Many physios accompany players to competitions like the World Cup and European Cup.”
“I have always told the club that the physiotherapists are the most crucial component of the backroom staff. Of course, everyone is crucial. They look after the boys, “Speaking before City’s derby matchup against Manchester United, Guardiola added.
“Erling suffered mightily in Dortmund last season; he was injured for the majority of the year. After a little operation in the summer, he was in trouble when he arrived here. He began working with Mario, (Manuel) Rico, and other men. He is able to play frequently this season, which wasn’t possible last season thanks to them and, of course, his hard ethic. Erling and Mario have a romantic relationship, so he asked him to visit Norway, and they went.
On Sunday, second-placed City will play host to fifth-placed United.
After working with City physiotherapists, Guardiola claims that Haaland is injury-free.
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