Erling Haaland is set for an indefinite spell on the sidelines in a major blow for Manchester City.
The Norwegian striker came off in the second half of City’s FA Cup win over Bournemouth on Sunday with an ankle injury after an awkward fall.
He had just scored his 30th goal of the season to equalise when he was hurt in a challenge with Cherries midfielder Lewis Cook.
City say Haaland underwent initial tests on his ankle on Monday and will now see a specialist to determine the full extent of the injury.
Pep Guardiola’s side, still facing a battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League, face matches against Leicester, live on talkSPORT 2 and Manchester United this week.
They then have a visit from Crystal Palace and a trip to Everton before their FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, at Wembley on April 26.
The only timeframe City could give for Haaland‘s recovery was that he should be fit before the end of the season.
A statement on City’s website read: “Erling underwent initial tests in Manchester on Monday morning and will now seek specialist consultation to confirm the full extent of the injury.
“Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain a full prognosis. The expectation is that Erling will be fit in time to play a further part in the remainder of this season, including this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
“Everyone at the club wishes Erling a speedy recovery.”
If Haaland is out for a prolonged period it would be a big blow in City’s bid to finish in the top four.
City are currently fifth in the Premier League table, a point behind fourth-placed Chelsea with nine games to go.
In what’s been an uncharacteristically sloppy season for Pep Guardiola’s side, Haaland has remained consistent having scored 30 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions with 21 of them coming in the Premier League.
He’s lived and breathed goals ever since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2022 having netted 120 goals in 138 matches for City.
The 24-year-old won the Premier League Golden Boot in his first two seasons in England but looks set to miss out on the prize this season.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is currently the Premier League’s top scorer this term with 27 strikes, while Haaland is second on 21.
Haaland committed his long-term future this season when he signed a nine-and-a-half year contract worth an eye-watering £865,000-a-week.
It remains to be seen whether Haaland is able to play in the FA Cup final, should City get there.
The FA Cup represents the last realistic opportunity to claim silverware in the domestic season with City losing to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and they’re 22 points off the pace in the Premier League.
They were knocked out of the Champions League in the play-off round by Real Madrid in February.
