Haaland sidelined for up to seven weeks, Guardiola confirms

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that striker Erling Haaland will be sidelined for five to seven weeks due to an ankle injury sustained during the FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth. Haaland's absence is a significant blow to City as they compete for a top-four finish in the Premier League and aim for success in the FA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Guardiola expressed hope that Haaland would return in time for the end of the season and the Club World Cup, which starts in June. In Haaland's absence, Omar Marmoush is expected to take on the central striker role, as City adapts to the loss of their top scorer. Haaland has had an impressive season, scoring 30 goals across all competitions, making his injury particularly impactful. City currently sit fifth in the league, with nine matches remaining before the season concludes.