Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland faces a stint on the sidelines with a now confirmed left ankle injury.
The 24-year-old striker was forced off in the second half of City’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Bournemouth on Sunday.
Haaland initially tried to play on after Lewis Cook fell on his left ankle in the 61st minute. He was then replaced by new sign from Egypt, Omar Marmoush, who scored and secured the win within minutes.
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Man City manager Pep Guardiola had been hoping for good news despite the striker being seen leaving Vitality Stadium in a protective boot and on crutches.
But City has since confirmed that Haaland will be out for most of the season. The club “expects” Haaland to return before the last game, Sunday 25th of May, but his recovery timeline remains unknown.
“Erling underwent initial tests in Manchester on Monday morning and will now seek specialist consultation to confirm the full extent of the injury. Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain a full prognosis,” the club said.
Having led the goal-scoring in each of his first two Premier League seasons, Haaland was on the hunt for a third-consecutive Golden Boot title, even as City struggled to match its heights in recent years.
This injury to the Man City star could be a crucial blow for the team as they battle to finish in the top four of the Premier League to ensure a Champions League position especially heading into the emotionally-charged Manchester derby this weekend.
City missing Champions League would be a massive blow as the club under Guardiola have featured in the Champions League 13 times. With Man City finally claiming their first Champions League title in 2023 with Haaland being a key player, his absence could be detrimental.
With the serial winners 22 points from the top of the Premier League table in 5th place, tensions are brewing, with Newcastle in 6th place only one point behind and having a game in hand. Newcastle won in the Carabao Cup against current Premier League leaders Liverpool, further upping the stakes for Man City and adding insult to injury after the loss of Haaland.
With eight more Premier League fixtures plus the FA Cup semifinals and a potential final, fears are growing amongst supporters that this might be the end of Man City’s title-winning streak.
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