The Briefing: Haaland and other World Cup stars return, new hairstyles and more

Erling Haaland and several other World Cup participants are preparing to return to Premier League action following the tournament in Qatar, with the Manchester City striker amongst those set to feature in the coming weeks. Haaland, who scored 36 league goals in 35 appearances during the 2022–23 season, missed City's recent fixtures whilst representing Norway at the World Cup, though the Scandinavian nation failed to qualify for the tournament proper. His absence has been notable for Pep Guardiola's side, who currently sit atop the Premier League table and remain unbeaten in their opening fixtures since the calendar turned.

The return of World Cup stars carries significant weight for clubs competing across multiple fronts, particularly Manchester City, who are defending their Premier League crown whilst pursuing European glory. Haaland's goal-scoring prowess—he netted 17 times in 11 appearances for club and country during 2022—remains pivotal to City's attacking threat, especially with the fixture congestion intensifying post-January. Similar high-profile returners from international duty, including players from England, France and Argentina squads, will reshape tactical approaches across the division as managers reintegrate their stars into established systems.

As Haaland and his teammates rejoin training, City face the challenge of managing fitness levels and sharpness amongst players returning from World Cup exertion. The 23-year-old made 17 competitive appearances for City in the league before the tournament break, establishing himself as a cornerstone of their attacking play. Guardiola's medical staff will oversee careful reintegration protocols to ensure Haaland reaches peak condition for City's title defence and their pursuit of a maiden Champions League crown, with squad depth essential as injuries inevitably accumulate throughout the remainder of the season.