Erling Haaland has been recovering from an ankle injury that has kept him out of Manchester City games since December 06. The club’s boss, Pep Guardiola, has confirmed that Haaland has suffered a “little bit” of a setback in his recovery. Subsequently, the team’s medical staff has insisted that the striker should not train for a week before heading to the UAE for training. “A little bit more than we expected at the beginning in his bone. The bone needs time. Every injury you can do what you want, but it’s a question of time,” admitted Pep Guardiola referring to the Norwegian’s condition. The Newcastle United game at St. James’ Park is now hours away.

After the outing, the club will only resume action on January 26 in an FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur. Even though Haaland is taking more time than expected to recover, Guardiola is optimistic that he will be available for the clash in North London. “Hopefully at the end of this month he will be ready“, the Spanish boss said at the official presser.

However, according to Jack Gaughan, Haaland might not make it to North London to meet Tottenham. The Norwegian is likely to return in February.

The Norwegian has missed out on eight matches across the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup. Moreover, the player scored 50 goals before getting sidelined. But he ended up falling short against Ronaldo, Kane, and Mbappe in the 2023 Golden Boot race due to this same injury.

Besides, reports have ruled out Erling Haaland for the remainder of January. Nevertheless, despite missing the record-breaking striker, Pep Guardiola is satisfied with the way City has adapted.

Guardiola is ‘really pleased’ with Manchester City in Erling Haaland’s absence

Ever since the injury kept Erling Haaland out, Guardiola’s trusted second striker, Julian Alvarez has shouldered the team’s offense. The World Champion delivered twice, including an opener in City’s commanding Club World Cup victory against Fluminense. Besides, the Premier League and the FA Cup have also seen Alvarez’s attacking prowess. Englishman Phil Foden has also been vital in the Sky Blues’ attack. Foden has scored once in the Premier League and assisted thrice since Haaland left. In the FA Cup, he powered City’s win with a brace against Huddersfield.

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Speaking of his team’s adaptability, Pep Guardiola said, “I am really pleased with the team for many aspects. We don’t want to stop. The guys who are fit have behaved really good.” Anyhow, adapting without Erling Haaland is not ideal for the reigning treble winners in the long run. Besides, now that Kevin De Bruyne is back, the Norwegian could team up with him and bang in goals like he delivered throughout last season. Such performances are much-needed for the Cityzens, considering that crucial fixtures await them.

How do you like Manchester City 2.0 without Erling Haaland? Let us know in the comments below.

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