Manchester City suffered a big blow on Monday with top scorer Erling Haaland facing time on the sidelines. Haaland suffered an ankle injury which kept him on the sidelines. The 24-year-old Norwegian was hurt in Sunday’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bournemouth.
Immediate Impact of Erling Haaland Getting Injured
Having levelled the tie with his 30th goal of the season, Haaland was then hurt in a collision with Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook. The collision came in the second half of the match, and although he initially attempted to carry on, the pain was clear. Haaland was replaced soon after, causing alarm among supporters and club officials.
Manchester City’s doctors evaluated him on the pitch before they took him in for more tests. Considering his value to the team, the club is going slowly with his rehabilitation. The timing of the injury is especially worrying with City facing a series of pivotal games in the coming weeks.
Manchester City’s Official Statement on Erling Haaland
“The hope is that Erling will be fit in time to play a further role in the rest of this season, including this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup,” added a club statement.
“Erling had preliminary tests in Manchester on Monday morning and will now undergo specialist consultation to establish the full extent of the injury. Assessment is still ongoing to determine a full prognosis.”
Manchester City’s Tough Road Ahead
Manchester City currently sit fifth in the Premier League and are battling to qualify for the Champions League next term. Losing Haaland halfway through the season would be a massive blow to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Manchester city counts on Erling Haaland for his goal-returning capabilities to provide them the threat infront of Goal while attacking
Pep Guardiola’s side meet Leicester and Manchester United this week. These two games might decide City’s chances of Champions League qualification. They host Crystal Palace and visit Everton before their FA Cup semi against Nottingham Forest at Wembley on April 26.
Without Haaland, City will have to look elsewhere for goals. City’s primary goal scoring options will likely be Omar Marmoush and Jeremy Doku to begin with. Supporters will be expecting a speedy return for their talismanic striker as City seeks to end the season on a high.