During the second half of Manchester City’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final tie win over Bournemouth, Erling Haaland sustained what appeared to be a serious-looking ankle injury. The way Lewis Cook innocuously fell across his ankle did suggest that Haaland could face a prolonged spell on the sidelines. Manchester City yesterday confirmed that Haaland was set to seek specialist consultation on the injury he sustained. Now Pep Guardiola has revealed the timeline that City’s top scorer is set to be out for.
Speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of his team’s crucial Premier League fixture against Leicester City Pep Guardiola was asked about the extent of Haaland’s injury. Guardiola revealed that Erling Haaland could be out for between 5-7 weeks. When asked about the ankle injury the Norwegian international sustained Guardiola told the media: “The doctors told me between five and seven weeks [out]. So hopefully, for the end of the season and FIFA Club World Cup, he will be ready.”
Pep Guardiola further expanded on Haaland’s injury and what his loss meant to his team. Guardiola explained: “We don’t have another player with his [Erling Haaland’s] skills or specific qualities. We know that but we have to adapt. For many years, we’ve played with different ways up front and it depends on the qualities of the players. We’re going to find another solution.”
Erling Haaland’s injury is a blow to Manchester City but they simply must overcome it.
It is a massive blow for Manchester City to lose Erling Haaland for an extended period of time. Haaland’s injury is an even bigger blow based on City’s desperate chase for Champions League qualification for next season. It was expected that Haaland would play a key role in that chase. He would also have featured prominently in Manchester City’s bid to win the FA Cup this season.
But Haaland’s injury is an opportunity for Omar Marmoush and others to step up in his absence. They simply have to step and cover Haaland’s absence. Marmoush is more than capable although he does play in a different manner to that of Erling Haaland. Haaland’s injury may see Pep Guardiola try something different to liven up City’s attacking play. Alongside Marmoush there is also an opportunity for Phil Foden, Savinho, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish to step up. Manchester City will need goals to win games and the challenge is there for City’s players to provide that in Haaland’s absence.
