Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will be sidelined for an estimated seven weeks due to an ankle injury sustained during the FA Cup quarter-final victory against Bournemouth, according to manager Pep Guardiola. The 24-year-old Norwegian striker has been pivotal for City this season, contributing 30 goals across 40 competitive matches.
Guardiola expressed his disappointment regarding Haaland’s injury, noting the cumulative challenges the team has faced throughout the season. “There are years when these kinds of things happen. I’m so sorry for them and for Erling as well,” he said, wishing Haaland a swift recovery.
The injury is particularly concerning for City as they currently sit fifth in the Premier League, just one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea with nine matches remaining. Guardiola emphasized the unique skill set Haaland brings to the team, stating, “We don’t have another player with his skills or his specific qualities,” adding that adaptation is essential as they push for Champions League qualification.
City’s upcoming fixtures will be crucial. Guardiola highlighted the importance of their home games, stating, “We have to win our home games, and we are going to try to qualify for the Champions League.” The club’s supporters rallied around their team as they navigate this challenging period and seek to rebound from recent disappointments.
Additionally, Guardiola addressed the planned protests by City supporters against rising ticket prices and a new partnership with a secondary ticket agency, indicating that open dialogue is encouraged.
Fans remain hopeful that even in Haaland’s absence, the talented Manchester City squad will find a way to secure vital points in the league and potentially compete for silverware as the season draws to a close. With the Club World Cup scheduled for June, there is optimism that Haaland could return to bolster their hopes during that critical phase.
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