Haaland was sidelined for matches against Leicester City and Sevilla over the past few days – both of which the Premier League champions won – with fellow summer signing Julian Alvarez leading the line in his absence.
The Norwegian striker, who leads the league’s scoring charts with 17 goals in 11 appearances, has been struggling with a bruised foot but was pictured in training on Thursday following the Sevilla match and looked sharp.
Guardiola has now confirmed that Haaland is back in contention to play against Fulham on Saturday, though he will undergo a late fitness test after Friday afternoon’s training session.
Asked how fit Haaland looked in yesterday’s session, Guardiola replied: ‘He is much better. We will decide today if it’s a good step to start training.
‘Now we have training this afternoon and we will see.’
Probed on what things he will consider when deciding whether to select Haaland, Guardiola continued: ‘Himself, his opinion, the doctor’s opinion, if he can do 90 minutes or just less minutes. We will see after training.’
Asked if Alvarez would be able to start a third game in a row in the space of a week if Haaland is missing, the City boss added: ‘He’s so young, at that age you can play every day’
Guardiola also confirmed that Manuel Akanji is fit and available after overcoming a dead leg, but England duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips are still not fit.
Newcastle forward Wilson, meanwhile, created doubts over his participation at the weekend during an interview on The Footballer’s Football Podcast after revealing that he had picked up an illness.
‘I feel a little run down this week,’ said the Newcastle forward, who netted twice against Aston Villa last time out. ‘So I need to make sure no illness kicks in fully, clear that out.’
Eddie Howe did not appear best pleased that Wilson had broadcast his issue so publicly, but allayed fears over the forward and expects him to be given the all clear to face Southampton.
Asked if Wilson was feeling better, Howe said at his pre-match press conference on Friday: ‘Yeah, I think he’s OK.
‘He’s had a little cold. It’s funny how everything gets around, especially if you do a podcast! Fingers crossed, he’ll be OK.’
MORE : Pep Guardiola tips Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips to win World Cup fitness battle
MORE : Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp snaps at reporter over World Cup injuries question
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