Erling Haaland Sidelined for Up to Seven Weeks with Ankle Injury

After suffering an ankle injury, Manchester City attacker Erling Haaland will be out of action for up to seven weeks, manager Pep Guardiola revealed ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League home game against Leicester City, threatened by relegation.

The 24-year-old Norway international, who has 30 goals in 40 games in all competitions this season for City, suffered an injury in their FA Cup quarter-final game at Bournemouth on Sunday.

“Occasional years abound when these kinds of events transpire. It occurred all through the season. If it were the end of the season—before the Club World Cup—” Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday,” he said.

“So I’m quite sorry for all the injuries we have suffered this season, including Erling as well. So (I wish him) a happy recovery, then come back as quick as feasible.

“They informed me the doctors between five and seven weeks. Thus, ideally the season will finish and by the Club World Cup he will be ready.

“This is the first time, alongside the first season I was here nine years ago, that we have had to fight to qualify for the Champions League,” he said.

“We know exactly what we have to do—five at home, four away; we have nine games left. We have to attempt (to get qualified for Champions League) and win our home games”.

Pep Guardiola was also questioned over the demonstrations scheduled by City supporters organisations against the ticket prices and recent affiliation with a secondary ticket broker.

“The club has stated its reasons and they can also say freely what they wish. I would much rather see them active than passive,” Guardiola remarked.

“The club has to be active in several departments and the decisions have been made.”