Star Striker Leaves Bournemouth on Crutches as Guardiola Faces Growing Injury Crisis
Manchester City’s hard-fought 2-1 FA Cup quarterfinal victory at Bournemouth came at a potential cost as Erling Haaland limped off with a worrying knee injury, leaving Pep Guardiola’s squad facing yet another fitness setback in an already challenging season.
The Norwegian goal machine, who had just equalized after Evanilson’s first-half opener for Bournemouth, crumpled to the turf in visible pain during the second half. Despite attempting to play through the discomfort, Haaland was eventually substituted for Omar Marmoush – who promptly scored the winner to send City to Wembley.
Protective Boot Sparks Concern
Post-match scenes did little to ease anxieties as Haaland departed Vitality Stadium wearing a protective boot and using crutches. Guardiola admitted he hadn’t yet consulted medical staff, telling reporters: “I saw him on the massage table but didn’t speak with him or the doctors. Right now, I simply don’t know.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for City, who host Leicester on Wednesday in a crucial Premier League clash. With their title defense long since evaporated, Champions League qualification now represents their primary domestic focus.
Defensive Casualties Mount
Haaland’s scare compounds an existing injury crisis at the Etihad:
- Nathan Aké: Ruled out until May after foot surgery (10-11 weeks)
- Rodri: Still rehabbing with Club World Cup in June a possible target
- John Stones: Making progress from thigh injury but return unclear
- Manuel Akanji: Facing 8-10 weeks with torn adductor muscle
Bright Spots in Recovery
There was better news regarding young Oscar Bobb, who’s finally training regularly after breaking his leg in preseason. “He’s feeling much better,” Guardiola confirmed, though cautioned about reintegration timing. The 20-year-old has already logged 62 minutes with City’s U21s.
As City prepare for their record seventh consecutive FA Cup semifinal against Nottingham Forest, Guardiola finds himself walking a tightrope between maintaining momentum and managing an increasingly threadbare squad. With key players falling like dominoes, the coming days’ medical updates may prove as crucial as any on-field performances.
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