Erling Haaland will be unavailable for Manchester City for the next five to seven weeks. Coach Pep Guardiola confirmed this during the press conference ahead of the match against Leicester City, where Ruud van Nistelrooij is the manager.
Erling Haaland's injury has sent shockwaves through Manchester City’s camp, casting a long shadow over their ambitions for the remainder of the season.
The prolific Norwegian striker, whose clinical finishing and physical prowess have been a cornerstone of City’s attack this season, is now expected to be out for the next five to seven weeks. Pep Guardiola confirmed the disappointing news during the pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League fixture against Leicester City on April 2 at 20:45.
Leicester City, under the guidance of their newly-appointed manager Ruud van Nistelrooij, will be looking to exploit City’s weakened attack. Guardiola’s comments at the press conference reflected a measured but clear concern over the timing of the injury. “I hope to have Erling back by the end of the season and also for the Club World Cup,” he stated. Haaland’s ankle injury, sustained during Sunday’s FA Cup match against AFC Bournemouth, has become a significant setback to Manchester City's title hopes across multiple competitions.
The injury occurred in what appeared to be an innocuous moment, but Haaland immediately signaled discomfort, limping off the field and raising alarms within the Manchester City staff. Guardiola himself admitted that the sight of Haaland clutching his ankle was enough to warrant immediate concerns. “You never want to see your key player go down, especially at this stage of the season,” he remarked.
The timeline of Haaland’s recovery leaves Manchester City in a precarious position. If the Norwegian goal machine is sidelined for five weeks, he could potentially make his comeback against Southampton on May 10. However, should his recovery take seven weeks, he will be a major doubt for the FA Cup final on May 17 assuming City overcomes Nottingham Forest in the semifinal. This uncertainty has created a sense of urgency within the City camp, as Guardiola and his staff scramble to adjust their tactical plans without their most potent offensive weapon.
Haaland’s absence also impacts Manchester City’s hopes of reclaiming the Premier League title. Currently trailing league leaders Arsenal by a narrow margin, every match is critical. City’s upcoming encounter against Leicester City becomes all the more pivotal, as Guardiola will need to rely heavily on alternative offensive options. Julian Alvarez, the young Argentine forward, will likely be called upon to fill the void left by Haaland. Though talented and versatile, Alvarez’s style is markedly different from the physical and direct approach Haaland brings to the team.
Additionally, Guardiola will look to experienced attackers such as Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, and Jack Grealish to step up in Haaland’s absence. The manager has been known for his tactical adaptability, often shifting between different formations and styles of play. However, losing a player of Haaland’s caliber requires a more fundamental adjustment. Guardiola acknowledged that the team would need to play differently without their star striker. “Erling gives us something unique. Without him, we have to find other ways to break down defenses,” he admitted.
Despite the setback, Haaland is expected to be fit in time for the final day of the Premier League season. Manchester City, the reigning champions, will face Fulham on May 25, a match that could prove decisive depending on how the title race unfolds. Additionally, the Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in mid-June in the United States with an expanded format of 32 teams, remains a target for Haaland’s return. Guardiola has made it clear that while the striker’s absence is a blow, the club remains hopeful of his participation in that tournament.
In terms of recovery, Manchester City reported that Haaland underwent medical examinations in Manchester on Monday. However, the club is also seeking further evaluations from specialists who can provide a clearer assessment of the severity of the ankle injury. The medical team is leaving nothing to chance, exploring every possible avenue to expedite Haaland’s recovery process. The striker himself has remained optimistic, though understandably frustrated by the timing of the injury.
For now, Haaland’s goal tally for the season remains stuck at thirty, achieved over forty matches. His impressive scoring rate has been a key factor in City’s campaigns across all competitions. To lose such a prolific scorer at such a crucial juncture is a test not only of Guardiola’s tactical acumen but also of the squad’s depth and mental resilience.
Manchester City’s upcoming clash against Leicester City will be a critical test of their attacking depth and resilience without Haaland. Guardiola will likely rely heavily on other offensive options such as Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden to fill the void left by the Norwegian striker’s absence. Van Nistelrooij, who took charge of Leicester earlier this season, has already established a more disciplined and structured approach within the team. Leicester will undoubtedly be aiming to capitalize on City’s perceived vulnerability.
Beyond the Leicester City game, Guardiola must prepare his squad for a series of pivotal fixtures. City remains in contention for multiple trophies, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup. The potential absence of Haaland during the FA Cup final on May 17 adds another layer of complexity to Guardiola’s planning. Assuming City progresses past Nottingham Forest in the semifinal, they will likely face a formidable opponent in the final, with either Manchester United or Chelsea expected to advance from the other semifinal.
Despite these challenges, Guardiola remains adamant that City’s objectives have not changed. “We have the talent and the mentality to achieve our goals. Of course, we want Erling back as soon as possible, but the rest of the squad is ready to step up,” he stated. Guardiola’s confidence in his squad’s ability to adapt without Haaland will be put to the test over the coming weeks.
City’s preparations for the Club World Cup also continue in the background. The tournament’s new format, featuring 32 teams and hosted in the United States, presents a unique opportunity for Guardiola to add another prestigious trophy to his already glittering CV. With Haaland expected to be fit by then, Manchester City’s ambitions remain high despite the current setback.
The immediate concern, however, remains the Premier League title race. With nine matches remaining, City cannot afford any slip-ups if they hope to catch Arsenal. Haaland’s absence complicates matters, but Guardiola’s tactical ingenuity has often prevailed in difficult circumstances. For City fans, the hope is that their team can weather the storm and that Haaland’s return will coincide with a triumphant end to the season.
