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Manchester City have dropped a major hint that Erling Haaland could be sidelined for a significant stretch after the prolific striker suffered an injury in their FA Cup clash against Bournemouth.
The Citizens fought back to secure a quarter-final victory on Sunday, but the sight of Haaland limping off has cast a shadow over their season.
Haaland, who fired home the equaliser in the comeback win, lasted just past the hour mark before leaving the pitch.
The 24-year-old appeared to twist his left ankle under the weight of Bournemouth's Lewis Cook, then collided with the advertising boards in an awkward tumble. After treatment, he tried to soldier on but soon signalled to the bench that he couldn't continue, making way for January arrival Omar Marmoush.
With a crucial run-in ahead, chasing Champions League qualification, FA Cup glory, and a tilt at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, City boss Pep Guardiola offered little comfort post-match. "We have to see," he said when pressed for an update on his talisman.
Now, the club have confirmed the worst fears in an official statement.
"Manchester City FC can confirm that Erling Haaland has suffered an injury to his left ankle," the statement read.
"The Norwegian striker sustained the injury during Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final victory away at AFC Bournemouth. 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 club added a cautious note of optimism: "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." They also wished him a speedy recovery and promised regular updates on his progress.
The injury is a hammer blow for City, who have leaned heavily on Haaland's lethal finishing despite an inconsistent campaign. The Norwegian has bagged 30 goals and four assists in 40 appearances across all competitions, smashing yet another record by reaching 100 Premier League goal involvements in just 94 games - eclipsing legends like Alan Shearer (100) and Eric Cantona (116).
Haaland, who penned a blockbuster nine-and-a-half-year deal worth 500,000 pounds per week in January, has remained unfazed by off-field noise surrounding the club's Financial Fair Play trial.
Speaking while on international duty, he said: "I don't (doubt the club), obviously, when I sign a nine-and-a-half-year contract. I've said 300 times why I signed the contract. I talked to the club, got a good feeling and agreed to it in the end. That's why."
Meanwhile, Guardiola and his squad must regroup fast, with Marmoush likely to shoulder more responsibility in Haaland's absence. The coming weeks could define their season.
