Erling Haaland stood on crutches, wearing a protective boot after Manchester City’s tense FA Cup quarterfinal win over Bournemouth. Earlier in the game, he crashed into advertising boards following a challenge from Lewis Cook. Although he tried to walk it off, the 24-year-old striker ultimately signaled he could no longer continue.
At first, the sight of Haaland, who had just scored City’s equalizer, left many fans in disbelief. He has been the team’s bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions, with 21 of those in the Premier League. His manager, Pep Guardiola, offered no firm assurances after the match. “I don’t know yet, we’ll have to see,” he said, echoing the uncertainty shared by supporters everywhere.
They do know, however, that the Norwegian underwent initial medical tests on Monday. City’s official statement mentioned plans for him to visit a specialist to determine how long he’ll be out. The club also expressed hope he would return before the season’s end, which includes a crucial FA Cup semifinal date and a scramble for a top-four league finish.
It’s a troubling scenario for a side that finds itself fifth in the Premier League, one point behind fourth place, and feeling the pressure of an unpredictable run-in. Haaland’s absence, even for a few matches, could prove decisive. Though Omar Marmoush scored the winner in Sunday’s 2-1 victory, City will miss Haaland’s ruthless finishing if his recovery drags on.
A race against time
His contract, which is worth about $1.07 million per week, reflects the enormous faith City placed in him since signing him in 2022. That faith has largely been rewarded with goals, but ankles can be tricky, and the club’s medical staff will exercise caution to avoid turning a short layoff into a longer ordeal.
Meanwhile, Roy Keane, never one to hold back, offered a blunt assessment of Haaland’s earlier penalty miss on Sunday: “Haaland missing a penalty, very lackadaisical, then he missed another chance and he’s smiling.” Though Keane’s words focused on the missed opportunity, it’s the ankle setback that truly matters now.
City faces Leicester next, then a derby against Manchester United, and they’re still alive in an FA Cup campaign that many see as their best shot at silverware. Guardiola has no easy decisions. Should Haaland be rushed back if the team slips in the league? Or is it better to keep him out until there’s no risk of aggravating the injury?
Those questions will linger until the specialist offers concrete answers. For now, City can only wait, hope, and prepare to adapt without their most prolific scorer, unsure of exactly when—or how swiftly—he’ll return.
