Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that his side might struggle without their influential striker Erling Haaland.
The Norway international limped off on Sunday after scoring in the 2-1 FA Cup victory at Bournemouth, and he has been ruled out for weeks.
“We don’t have another player with his [Erling Haaland’s] skills or specific qualities, we know that but we have to adapt,” Guardiola said on Tuesday during his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s home English Premier League clash against Leicester City.
“For many years, we’ve played with different ways up front and it depends on the qualities of the players. We’re going to find another solution.
“(On Erling Haaland’s fitness) The doctors told me between five and seven weeks [out].
“So hopefully for the end of season and FIFA Club World Cup he will be ready.”
Haaland was spotted in crutches after Sunday’s match, with his ankle in a protective boot.
“Erling underwent initial tests in Manchester on Monday morning and will now seek specialist consultation to confirm the full extent of the injury,” Manchester City stated on Monday night while giving an update on the injury.
“Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain a full prognosis. The expectation is that Erling will be fit in time to play a further part in the remainder of this season, including this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.”
The absence of the 24-year-old Haaland could hamstring City’s quest to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League as they are currently in a battle for a top four/top five finish with Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Brighton, Fulham and Aston Villa.
Liverpool and Arsenal are on course to seal the top two Champions League, leaving the remaining two or three for the other clubs to fight over.
Haaland has produced 21 goals and three assists in 28 Premier League matches this season.
