In the fast-paced world of Premier League soccer, injuries can significantly alter a club’s dynamics and strategy. For Manchester City, the absence of star striker, Erling Haaland, has become an immediate concern. The Norwegian, who was crowned the world’s best player at the Globe Soccer Awards, has been struggling with a foot injury since early December. Pep Guardiola now faces the daunting task of navigating Premier League fixtures without the star forward.
Although Julian Alvarez has stepped up brilliantly for Manchester City in Haaland’s absence, the anticipation surrounding the Norwegian’s return is growing. Let’s reveal the crucial fixtures Erling Haaland is set to miss for the defending champions.
As Manchester City prepares to return to the Premier League, they will be without Erling Haaland for some crucial encounters. The Cityzens are set to host Burnley on January 31st, and a visit to Brentford on February 5th, while welcoming Everton on February 10th. Erling Haaland will target the early games in February for a return if everything goes well with his recovery. The Norwegian is almost certain to miss the upcoming FA Cup fourth-round clash at Tottenham on Friday, January 26th.
With these fixtures on the horizon, Haaland’s absence leaves Guardiola with strategic decisions to make regarding his attacking lineup. Guardiola also provided insight recently into Haaland’s recovery situation. The Manchester City boss revealed, “He’s fine, but a little problem, disturbing his feet. A little bit more than we expected at the beginning in his bone. The bone needs time. He’ll be ready to come back at the end of this month.”
The reality is that the initially called eight-week recovery period for Erling Haaland is ending, marking his potential return in February. City’s clash against Brentford at Etihad Stadium might witness Haaland’s return to the lineup. However, it might not be concrete yet whether Haaland will be introduced from the bench or straight into the starting eleven.