Key Man City player now unlikely to play vs Tottenham in the FA Cup on Friday

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Manchester City star Erling Haaland has returned to full training but is unlikely to feature against Tottenham Hotspur on Friday.

Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to end Tottenham’s long wait for silverware this term and the FA Cup feels like his most realistic chance of doing so.

Spurs beat Burnley 1-0 in the last round thanks to a late Pedro Porro stunner but have drawn the Premier League champions in the fourth round.

Of course, Man City have recently been boosted by the return of Kevin De Bruyne, who netted and provided an assist to help Pep Guardiola’s side to a 3-2 win over Newcastle United last time out.

The Citizens have been without Erling Haaland for the past six weeks after the Norwegian striker picked up a foot injury.

But while he’s closing in on a return, the game against Tottenham is likely to come too soon for him, The Times claims. 

Haaland unlikely to play against Tottenham

The outlet claims that Haaland returned to first-team training on Monday and completed the full session without suffering any pain.

But City are said to be cautious over rushing the 23-year-old back into action.

This means that Haaland is ‘unlikely’ to feature against Spurs in the FA Cup on Friday.

City have put together six consecutive wins since a disappointing 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in mid-December.

Guardiola’s side seem to finally be discovering their best form after a slow start to the season.

It’s no secret that City have struggled at Tottenham in recent years and are yet to net a goal at Spurs’ stadium since it opened in 2019.

In fact, Guardiola’s side have lost every single game they have played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But recent results will count for nothing on Friday and Postecoglou’s side will have to be at their very best to be in with a chance of booking their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.