Ankle Injury May Knock Out Erling Haaland for Rest of the Season
Manchester City has confirmed record signing Erling Haaland will be out for an extended length of time following a severe ankle injury during their FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth.
Haaland, who has been in top form for City this term, was spotted leaving the stadium on crutches wearing a protective boot, having scored the goal in the 2-1 triumph.
The damage was done during the second half of the match as Haaland became involved in a tackle which left him in severe pain. Initial tests did cast some doubts on the extent of the injury, and additional meetings with a specialist were in order. Haaland will undergo additional thorough examinations over the course of the next several days in order to determine the full degree of the harm.
So far, Manchester City has not given a specific time frame when Haaland might return. They are optimistic he might be back by the close of the season, but considering important games pending, the process is uncertain. The injury already puts his selection for the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest in late April into question.
Haaland’s absence would be a gigantic loss for City, who are currently in fifth place in the Premier League with nine games remaining. With 21 goals from 28 league games this season, Haaland has been instrumental in the team’s quest for domestic and European glory. City’s ambitions to finish in the top-four are now firmly in the balance, and the pressure is mounting ahead of daunting examinations against Leicester City, Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Everton.
Manchester City’s medical team is monitoring Haaland closely in his rehabilitation, but the intrigue of the extent of the injury has created fears among fans and management. The team will be expected to adapt in the weeks to come, with other strikers expected to fill the void left by their star man.
Haaland’s absence marks a turning point for Manchester City’s campaign, and fans are eagerly expecting further news of his comeback as they try to continue their pursuit of silverware in a number of competitions.
