It was a sight that Manchester City fans did not want to see - Erling Haaland being substituted in the 61st minute of the Blues 2-1 win at the Vitality Stadium as they came from behind to beat Bournemouth and clinch a place in the FA Cup semi-final.
It looked like an inspired substitution as his replacement, Omar Marmoush, scored the goal that took City to Wembley. But Haaland had been struggling since scoring the equaliser in the 49th minutes and the striker was seen leaving the stadium on crutches as the team headed back to Manchester.
And today, the Faithful’s worst fears were confirmed as manager Pep Guardiola told his press conference that Haaland would be out for up to seven weeks. It’s another major blow for City, who have seen an abundance of players out with injury this season.
Whilst Guardiola is confident that the big Norwegian will return in time for the Club World Cup, it does mean that Haaland will miss a number of vital matches, including the derby and the Wembley clash with Nottingham Forest.
Here’s the matches that Haaland could potentially miss if he is out for the full seven weeks:
Leicester (H)
United (A)
Palace (H)
Everton (A)
Forest (W)
Wolves (H)
Southampton (A)
Bournemouth (H)
Haaland could miss up to eight matches, nine if the rearranged home clash with Aston Villa is scheduled in that period, with the striker returning in time for the final day of the season away to Fulham.
That means he would be available for the Wembley showpiece, if the Blues overcome Forest, and UEFA’s new end of season tournament. Thankfully, the signing of Marmoush will help ease the goal scoring duties and the Egyptian striker will no doubt become the main target for the Blues in the coming weeks.
With City having missed Rodri for the bulk of the season, and injuries across all other areas, it means the Blues have played much of the season with an ageing squad.
Kevin de Bruyne is starting to look past his best now and a summer move for him is likely, while Ilkay Gundogan’s return has not been the fairytale it was meant to be. Bernardo Silva and Ederson are also looking at being past their prime, while Kyle Walker has already left the club on loan.
With the Blues having suffered many difficulties on the pitch this season, manager Pep Guardiola will have some rebuilding to do in the summer. This is all dependent on the outcome of the 115 charges levied against the club, with a decision on that reported to be imminent.
Whatever happens, we’re in for an interesting period at the Etihad Stadium.