Injury caused Erling Haaland to go through the most difficult period of his career since joining Man City.
Speaking after the 3-1 victory over Everton in round 19 of the Premier League on December 28, coach Pep Guardiola admitted: “Haaland feels better, but he has not had any official training sessions with the team. Hopefully Haaland will have can return to play for Man City in early 2024.”
It is highly likely that Man City will continue to be without the Norwegian international’s services in the next few matches. Haaland was hurt after the 0-1 defeat against Aston Villa on December 7. Since then, the former Dortmund striker has been absent for 6 consecutive matches.
Telegraph said Haaland’s injury is not light. Last season, the 22-year-old spearhead only had minor injuries and missed 5 consecutive matches (according to Transfermarkt).
Due to being sidelined, Haaland’s goals are slowing down. He was at risk of being overtaken. In the Premier League, the striker born in 2000 has 14 goals in hand, but no longer creates a big gap with his pursuing opponents.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Dominic Solanke (Bournemotuh) follow Haaland with 12 goals. With this situation, Haaland may be surpassed in the Premier League top scorer race in a short time.
Haaland also lost hope of improving his scoring record in 2023. He once led the way when he soon reached the 50-goal mark, but is currently behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe (both 52 goals) as well as Cristiano Ronaldo (53 goals). ).
Man City plans to take careful care of Haaland, so this striker definitely needs more time to recover. In fact, “The Citizens” still plays well without Haaland. In the last 6 matches Haaland did not play, the home team at Etihad Stadium won 5 and drew 1.