As the football world waits with bated breath, Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s hitting phenom, may be ruled out of their upcoming Premier League match owing to a foot injury. The Norwegian international was glaringly absent from City’s 2-1 victory over Luton Town, which cut the gap between City and Liverpool to four points.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said that Haaland had a stress injury to his bone, rendering him unable to walk “properly.” Despite this setback, Guardiola remains optimistic about Haaland’s comeback in time for the match against Crystal Palace next weekend. If not, the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia later this month is being considered as a possible venue for his return.

If this diagnosis is correct, Haaland will be ruled out of City’s forthcoming games against Red Star Belgrade and Crystal Palace. This absence could be a big setback for Manchester City, who is battling Liverpool for the Premier League crown. With a busy schedule until the end of 2023, any downtime without their star player may be costly.

Guardiola stated during a press conference that Haaland reported feeling lot better and suffering less pain. He did, however, underline that they would take things day by day. He stressed that it was not a fracture but rather bone stress.

Haaland’s absence might have an impact on two crucial Manchester City games, one in the Champions League and one in the Premier League, against Red Star Belgrade and Crystal Palace, respectively. Following these games, City will fly to Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup, where they will play in a semi-final match on December 19. If they win, they will compete for the title on December 22. Their next Premier League game is set at Goodison Park five days later.

To add to City’s troubles, Guardiola said that winger Jérémy Doku might be out for up to two weeks with a muscular injury. The Belgian international has been missing since the 3-3 draw with Tottenham last Sunday. Kevin De Bruyne, another crucial player for City, is still out with a reoccurring hamstring issue suffered at the start of the Premier League season. Guardiola did, however, disclose that De Bruyne has began running on grass this week, indicating progress toward his rehabilitation.