Man City injury blow as Haaland ruled out for seven weeks 

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been ruled out for up to seven weeks after sustaining an ankle injury during Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

Injury blow for Manchester City

The Norwegian forward was forced off in the 61st minute of the match after scoring City’s equalizer in their 2-1 win. A video posted on social media showed the 24-year-old leaving the Vitality Stadium on crutches with his left ankle in a protective boot.

“They told me the doctors say between five to seven weeks,” Guardiola said. “Hopefully, he will be ready for the end of the season and the Club World Cup. Sometimes, there are seasons where these things just happen.”

Haaland to see specialist

Manchester City confirmed on Monday that Haaland would consult a specialist to assess the severity of the injury. Despite the setback, the club remains optimistic that he will return before the end of the season, including in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.

Haaland endured a frustrating game before his injury, missing a penalty and two clear-cut chances. However, he managed to turn in Nico O’Reilly’s cross to bring City level before Omar Marmoush sealed the win.

Man City’s silverware hopes hang on FA Cup

The FA Cup remains City’s only realistic shot at silverware this season following an underwhelming Premier League campaign and early eliminations from both the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Guardiola has had to contend with injuries to key players throughout the season, with City currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, one point behind Chelsea in the race for a Champions League spot.
Guardiola: “We Have to Adapt”

Guardiola acknowledged that Haaland’s absence would be a challenge but insisted that the team must adjust.

“We don’t have another player with his skills or his specific qualities,” he admitted. “But for many years, we have played in different ways up front. It depends on the quality of the players, and we will try to find a solution.”

Crunch fixtures ahead

City face a crucial week in their pursuit of a top-four finish, hosting struggling Leicester on Wednesday before a high-stakes Manchester derby against United at Old Trafford on Sunday.