Could Haaland's injury prove costly in City's race for a top-four finish?
Associate Editor
2 MIN READ
Haaland could be out for up to seven weeks
Haaland could be out for up to seven weeks
AFP
Manchester City’s bid to secure Champions League football has taken a major hit, with Erling Haaland set to miss up to seven weeks after suffering an ankle injury in the FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth.
Haaland, who scored in the 2-1 win before being substituted in the 61st minute, was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches with his left ankle in a protective boot.
Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the severity of the injury on Tuesday, saying: “The doctors told me between five and seven weeks. Hopefully, he’ll be back before the end of the season and ready for the Club World Cup.”
A five-week layoff would see Haaland sidelined for at least six games, including the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on April 26.
In terms of the Premier League, Haaland is set to miss against Leicester City (April 2), Manchester United (April 6), Crystal Palace (April 19), Wolves (May 2).
If his recovery stretches to seven weeks, he could also miss City’s trip to Southampton on May 10 and the FA Cup final on May 17 - should City advance.
With City currently fifth in the table, one point behind Chelsea, missing their top scorer during this crucial run-in could prove costly in the race for a top-four finish.
Guardiola now faces the challenge of reshaping his attack in Haaland’s absence. The Norwegian has been City’s most prolific goalscorer, and his absence leaves a significant void.
“We don’t have another player with his exact qualities, but we’ll have to adjust. We’ve done it before and will find a way,” said Guardiola.
With just a handful of games left to secure Champions League football, City must find goals from elsewhere. The pressure will be on players like Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne to step up as Guardiola’s side fights to ensure a place in Europe’s elite competition next season.
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