Manchester City is entering the most crucial phase of the season without their key striker, Erling Haaland. The ankle injury he sustained in the 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarterfinals has sidelined Pep Guardiola’s most important weapon for approximately five to seven weeks. This means City will have to navigate much of the remaining Premier League and FA Cup campaign without their star forward.
How Does Haaland’s Absence Affect Man City?
Since joining Manchester City in the summer of 2022, Haaland has quickly become an irreplaceable presence in attack. This season, he has played in 28 out of 29 Premier League matches and has logged the most minutes in the squad—even more than the goalkeepers. With 21 goals in the domestic league, Haaland has contributed to 37% of Man City’s total goals. Beyond his consistent scoring, the Norwegian striker poses a constant threat in the penalty area, drawing defenders and creating space for his teammates.
Haaland’s absence will force Guardiola to find alternative attacking solutions. Last season, City thrived with a “false nine” system, but with the inconsistent form of the attacking players this season, finding an optimal replacement will not be easy.
Who Can Replace Haaland?
Guardiola has several options to fill in for Haaland, but none are perfect.
Omar Marmoush: The Egyptian forward, a recent signing, is a mobile striker with intelligent movement. He has scored six goals in 11 appearances for Man City, including the decisive winner against Bournemouth. However, Guardiola has criticized Marmoush for lacking physicality in duels—an area where Haaland excels.
Phil Foden: The English midfielder could operate as a “false nine,” similar to how he played in the 2021/22 season. However, Foden has not scored since January, and deploying him in a more advanced role might reduce Man City’s creativity in midfield.
How Has Man City Coped Without Haaland in the Past?
Manchester City has previously managed to perform well without Haaland. When he missed matches against Real Madrid and Liverpool last season, the team still maintained their dominant possession-based style. However, their finishing ability suffered noticeably. The 0-2 defeat to Liverpool in February was a clear example of the lack of sharpness in front of goal without the Norwegian striker.
A Difficult Road Ahead
City’s upcoming fixtures will not be easy. During Haaland’s absence, they will face Manchester United (April 6), Crystal Palace (April 12), Everton (April 19), and an FA Cup semifinal against Nottingham Forest (April 26). If his recovery takes the full seven weeks, Haaland could also miss the FA Cup final (should City reach it) and several key Premier League matches.
Pep Guardiola has emphasized that Man City will not change their playing style just because Haaland is unavailable. However, given their heavy reliance on the Norwegian striker, finding an effective alternative will be crucial in determining whether they can sustain their title challenge. With the Premier League title race still tightly contested and the FA Cup as a remaining target, Man City faces a significant challenge.
Conclusion
Erling Haaland is not just an exceptional goal scorer but also a vital piece of Guardiola’s tactical system. His absence will undoubtedly create difficulties for Man City but also offers opportunities for other players to step up. Guardiola’s side has overcome adversity before, and this will be yet another test of their champion mentality.