The FA Cup quarter-final win came at a cost for the Citizens as Erling Haaland will miss out on the Manchester Derby due to an ankle injury.
Manchester City travelled to Vitality Stadium last weekend to lock horns with AFC Bournemouth for the FA Cup quarter-final round.
While the visitors secured a 2-1 victory over the Cherries, they have certainly paid the price, as Erling Haaland was seen leaving the stadium in a protective boot after sustaining an ankle injury.
The Norwegian sustained the blow after he fell onto the concrete track of the Vitality Stadium. Haaland, who scored the equaliser for the match, was taken off by the manager afterward.
While the injury report has kept the City supporters on their toes, the ultimate blow came after the confirmation of absence by the City gaffer, which confirms that Haaland will be sidelined for their fixture against Ruben Amorim‘s side in the Manchester Derby.
Guardiola confirms Haaland injury length
Before victory over Leicester City, Guardiola confirmed that the Norwegian might be sidelined for five to seven weeks due to his ankle injury.
“The doctors told me between five and seven weeks [out],” he said. “So hopefully for the end of the season and FIFA Club World Cup he will be ready.”
The Spanish boss didn’t shy away from appraising his striker for his phenomenal performance ever since his arrival to the club and the quality traits that make him distinct in the League.
In a boost for Amorim and his team, Guardiola will definitely miss his star forward against Manchester United, considering that the player has netted 30 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this campaign.
Who could replace Haaland for City?
While the Sky Blues have their plans set for the summer window, right now, they have limited options when it comes to the forward options.
Regarding who could replace Haaland, Guardiola said, “We will find a solution from the players that we have. They all have different skills and qualities. We will have another one [striker].
“We don’t have another player with his skills or his specific qualities. We know that. But we have to adapt. Since many years we play for different ways up front. It depends on the quality of the players. We are going to try to find a solution.”
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Omar Marmoush will likely be the one taking the responsibilities as of right now, given they still have eight Premier League games remaining, along with the FA Cup fixtures and Club World Club matches.
The Egyptian has stepped up on the big stages and has shown consistency for Guardiola’s side since arriving in January.
Even though their main man up front is missing from the squad, Guardiola’s side showcased a solid display against The Foxes on the weekend while United lost to Nottingham Forest.
Thankfully, form often goes out of the window in these kind of games and Amorim will be hoping to repeat the result from the Etihad Stadium earlier this season.
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