Manchester City’s hopes of securing Uefa Champions League football next season were dealt a hefty blow with the news that star striker Erling Haaland will miss a big chunk of the run-in.
Manager Pepe Guardiola confirmed on Tuesday that the star could be out for between five and seven weeks. He is likely to only be back for the last few league games of the season, and a potential FA Cup final should City progress.
The lethal attacker picked up an ankle injury in the comeback FA Cup semi-final away win against Bournemouth on Sunday.
He netted City’s equaliser in the 2-1 victory, having had a penalty saved in the first half. But Haaland limped off after his left foot was caught under the body of Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook during a challenge in the second half.
Haaland underwent initial tests in Manchester on Monday morning and City were set to consult specialists to confirm the full extent of the injury.
The defending league champions hinted that the ankle injury could result in the 24-year-old Norwegian missing almost all of the rest of the season, including next month's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
In a statement, the club said: “Manchester City FC FC can confirm that Erling Haaland has suffered an injury to his left ankle. The Norwegian striker sustained the injury during Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final victory away at AFC Bournemouth.
“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 expectation is that Erling will be fit in time to play a further part in the remainder of this season, including this summer’s Fifa Club World Cup. Everyone at the club wishes Erling a speedy recovery.”
Guardiola confirmed City fans' worst fears to Sky Sports on Tuesday, in an interview ahead of City’s league clash against Leicester on Wednesday.
"They told me, the doctors, between five to seven weeks. So hopefully the end of the season and by the Club World Cup he will be ready," Guardiola said on Tuesday.
"Sometimes there are years when these kinds of things happen. It happened all season.
"I would say that it could have been different if it was the end of the season. So with all the injuries we have had this season, I'm so sorry for them and for Erling as well. So (I wish him) a good recovery, as speedy as possible, then come back."
The injury to their talisman, English Premier League Golden Boot winner in the past two seasons, is a hammer blow to City’s sub-par campaign. The attacker netted his 30th goal in all competitions this season at the weekend.
The Citizens have struggled without the powerhouse at key times this season, including in the Champions League elimination by Real Madrid and league defeat against leaders Liverpool.
Recent attacking addition Omar Marmoush has shown signs of promise but can’t come close to matching the attacking threat of his teammate.
Guardiola admitted Haaland's will be huge boots to fill.
"We don't have another player with his qualities, so we will have to adapt," he said.
The timing of the injury could hardly have been worse. City are in the thick of the battle to secure Champions League football next season. They were in fifth place ahead of the midweek round of fixtures with a tricky derby match against Manchester United away at the weekend.