“I Hope What’s Gone Is Gone”- Pep Guardiola On ‘Exceptional’ Ivan Toney’s Return After 8-Month Ban Due To Betting

Brentford fans will be on cloud nine with club star Ivan Toney set to make his competitive return. The striker has been out of action for almost a year after he was served an eight-month-long ban for breaching the Premier League’s betting laws. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola commented on the player’s return during his press conference, lavishing praise on the player for his exceptional abilities.

The Cityzens will be in action against Brentford this Tuesday as they travel to the Gtech Community Stadium. Fans will expect Erling Haaland to make his return to the playing eleven with the striker making a brief cameo during the team’s win over Burnley. Likewise, a win against Burnley will see Manchester City close the gap with Liverpool, with the Reds currently on top of the league standings. For now, Pep gave his flowers to Toney!

Pep Guardiola lauds Ivan Toney

Pep Guardiola addressed the media before his team’s game against Brentford. During the presser, the Manchester City boss praised the Brentford striker, stating, “I’m happy Ivan Toney is back. He’s exceptional and I hope what’s gone is gone. The way he plays is not just as a big striker. When he drops five meters, it’s a false nine. Brentford are strong at set pieces and we have to adapt.”

Toney was found accused of 262 breaches for violating FA’s Rule E8. The striker confessed to breaching the law for a staggering 232 occasions while the remaining 30 cases were withdrawn. The breaches included Toney placing multiple bets on himself and his team’s results. Ivan will be back in action on the 20th of February as his side takes on Nottingham Forest.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola will put his focus on his team’s clash against the Bees this Tuesday. The Citizens are on a four-game winning streak and will look to go five in five in their coming clash. Guardiola’s men will be boosted by Erling Haaland’s return with the striker expected to start against Brentford.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola Reveals Secret to Maintaining ‘Energy’ That Forced Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool Exit

Stage set for Erling Haaland’s return to the Premier League

Manchester City fans will be on cloud nine with star striker Erling Haaland expected to make his return to the Premier League. While the striker made a brief cameo against Burnley, the game against Brentford could see the Norwegian included in the starting eleven for the first time since December.

Haaland suffered an ankle injury in December against Aston Villa and has missed his team’s last six Premier League outings. However, despite his extended absence, the striker continues to hold his position as the top scorer in the league with 14 goals to his name. Fans will hope that the player picks off from where he left off before his injury. Do you think Erling Haaland will start against Brentford? Let us know in the comments below.

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