The Norwegian hurt the ligament in his foot during our goalless Champions League group game in Germany which forced him onto the sidelines for a spell.
City then had to carefully manage the striker’s return to action in order to ensure he did not aggravate the problem ahead of the break for the World Cup.
However, the striker marked our return to competitive action against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup last Thursday by scoring a superb opening goal in our thrilling 3-2 win.
And, addressing the media ahead of Wednesday’s eagerly awaited return to Premier League action at Leeds, the City boss allayed any fears about Haaland, confirming the 22-year-old will be primed for the Elland Road clash.
CITY+ | SIGN UP ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
“I think he will be ready. Day by day he’s getting better. As much, he can train, he will get his condition,” Guardiola declared.
“The injury is completely different to last season.
“It was a knock in his feet in Dortmund when we played Champions League. The doctor says his damage his ligament in his feet is so painful, it’s not easy to recover.
“That’s why he struggled.
“But muscular issues and everything is perfect and now he is much, much, much better. Now it’s a question of time. Of course, we need him. And yes, he was good (against Liverpool).
“On Thursday he finished good.”
The trip to Elland Road will carry extra special meaning for Haaland given that his dad Alfie played for Leeds before joining City and that Erling was born in the city during that time and held a boyhood bond for the Yorkshire side.
Haaland also played under Leeds boss Jesse Marsch when the American was in charge at RB Salzburg.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY APP
And March revealed late last week: “Erling texted me as soon as the schedule came out and said that he was most excited for Boxing Day and I gave him permission to have a small hamstring injury for that match!”
However, Pep insists this latest Roses clash would prove be another full-blooded affair – and says both sides will want to be at full strength.
“They want to win. We want to win. They will push his team. It will not be a friendly game,” Guardiola added.
“Hopefully Erling cannot be contaminated with the nice words from the opponent!
“I am pretty sure Jesse would prefer to play with the good players on the pitch.”
Guardiola also believes that City could not have been handed a tougher assignment for our return to Premier League action.
Under the leadership of Marsch, who succeeded Marcelo Bielsa last spring, Leeds have cultivated a reputation for being one of the Premier League’s most demanding opponents.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY PODCAST
And with leaders Arsenal currently eight points clear of City – albeit having played a game more – Pep says there is precious little margin for error.
“(It’s) One of the toughest games. I would have preferred another opponent than Leeds in that moment after the World Cup,” Guardiola declared.
“It’s the most aggressive team in the Premier League with statistics.
“Their guys don’t give you time to think.
“You have to be precise, and you have to be in our high level to do it in the situation we have after our defeat against Brentford.
“And how strong is Arsenal and the opponents that come from behind.
“You have to be alert and be careful because if the distance is bigger, it’ll be so difficult to catch them.”
