Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland will be sidelined for five-seven weeks after suffering a knee injury during the FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth last Sunday.
Guardiola admitted that losing the Norwegian striker is a significant setback but remains hopeful that Haaland will recover in time to feature in the final games of the season, including the Club World Cup in the summer.
“It’s a huge blow, but we will find a solution with the players we have, who bring different skills and qualities,” Guardiola said regarding Haaland’s potential replacements.
Haaland, who has been a key player for the Citizens since joining three years ago, joins Rodri on the injury list, with the Spanish midfielder also having been a long-term absentee for the Premier League defending champions.
Manchester City currently sits fifth in the Premier League table and risks missing out on a Champions League spot next season if they fail to break into the top four.