Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will be out until January after suffering a bone stress injury in his foot a few weeks ago.

Because of this injury, the Norwegian striker has missed the last six City games, including the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia and this Wednesday’s meeting against Everton. This loss will very certainly cost Haaland the title of top scorer for the year, which Cristiano Ronaldo eclipsed last weekend. Without his return, the Portuguese star will be crowned top scorer in 2023.

Pep Guardiola stated that the major question is when Haaland’s soreness will go away and that he wants to be back in January.

“It’s bone stress; he’s fine, but he’s in pain.” He’s not the short, slender guy like Foden; he’s heavier, which makes things more difficult. He’ll be well, and when he returns, he’ll play,” the Spanish coach stated.

As a result, Haaland will miss the upcoming ‘Cityzens’ games against Sheffield United and, most likely, the first FA Cup tie of the season against Huddersfield Town. The concern is whether he will be fit to play against Newcastle United on January 13, a critical game for City as they look to cement their place in the top four and distance themselves from the mid-table teams following them.