Erling Haaland has been dealt a devastating blow to his season after the Manchester City striker was ruled out for up to seven weeks with an ankle injury sustained in Sunday’s dramatic FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth.
In what can only be described as a crushing setback, Pep Guardiola confirmed the injury to the Norwegian forward, revealing that Haaland would face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“They told me the doctors say between five to seven weeks,” Guardiola disclosed, though he remained hopeful that Haaland would be back in time for the season’s grand finale.
The towering striker had been in fine form, scoring an equaliser in the 61st minute as City eventually triumphed 2-1 over the Cherries.
However, the injury overshadowed what was otherwise a vital win for the Premier League giants, securing their place in the semi-finals.
A shocking video circulating on social media showed Haaland leaving the Vitality Stadium on crutches, his left ankle encased in a protective boot.
The blow comes at a critical juncture in City’s season, with the FA Cup now their only remaining chance for silverware.
Guardiola, reflecting on the tumultuous season, stated, “Sometimes there are years when these kinds of things happen. It happened all season.”
Despite missing crucial chances—including a penalty—on Sunday, Haaland still played a pivotal role in the comeback victory, setting up Nico O’Reilly’s cross for the equaliser.
It was Omar Marmoush’s second-half goal that sealed the win for City.
With the Premier League title race slipping away and the Champions League and Carabao Cup exits already behind them, City’s hopes now rest on the FA Cup and the looming FIFA Club World Cup.
Guardiola’s men currently sit in fifth place, just one point behind Chelsea in a fierce battle for a top-four finish and a Champions League spot.
As Haaland seeks medical consultation with a specialist, fans will be eagerly awaiting news of his recovery, hoping the towering forward will be ready to make a significant impact before the season concludes.
