Manchester City received bad news on Monday (31/3), after their top scorer, Erling Haaland, was confirmed to be absent due to an ankle injury he sustained during the FA Cup quarter-final match against Bournemouth, Monday (31/3).
The 24-year-old Norwegian scored his 30th goal of the season to equalise before suffering the injury after being involved in a challenge with Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook. The injury comes at a crucial time towards the end of the season, with City still fighting to secure their place in next season’s Champions League.
The club did not provide an exact timeframe for Haaland’s recovery, but in an official statement, they said that it is hoped Haaland will recover in time to return to action for the remainder of the season, including the FIFA Club World Cup competition which will be held next summer.
“Erling underwent initial tests in Manchester on Monday morning and will now seek specialist advice to determine the extent of his injury. Further assessments are underway to establish a clearer prognosis,” the club said in a statement.
With Haaland injured, City face a major challenge in the Premier League, where they are currently fifth in the table and battling for Champions League football next season. Pep Guardiola’s side face Leicester and Manchester United in two crucial upcoming fixtures.
They then host Crystal Palace at the Etihad before travelling to Everton before an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley on April 26. Haaland, who has scored 21 goals in 28 league games this season, is expected to return towards the end of the campaign.
City have won just one of their last four Premier League games and are now relying heavily on the performances of their other players to cope with the tough test ahead without Haaland up front.
Many hope that Haaland can recover soon and return to action in Manchester City’s title fight at the end of the season. All parties at the club pray that Haaland will recover soon and return to action with high fighting spirit.
