Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Erling Haaland’s injury situation after he was forced off during Manchester City’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bournemouth on Sunday. This will raise fears for the Cityzens, who have a busy Premier League schedule, as they fight for the top four.
The Norwegian striker scored the equalizer for City after he had missed a penalty at the Vitality Stadium. However, he fell after a collision that involved Lewis Cook, who fell on his heel, and Haaland went into the advertising boards. He tried to press on after treatment but soon waved over to the bench that he could not continue.
Pep Guardiola, who spoke after the victory at the Vitality Stadium, said he was still unaware of the full extent of the injury. He said (via Evening Standard):
Trending
“I don’t know yet, we will have to see.”
Omar Marmoush came on for Haaland and wasted little time getting involved. The January arrival took only moments to pounce, scoring what turned out to be the winner and sending City into a seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final.
The timing of Erling Haaland’s injury could barely be worse for Manchester City, who face a home match with Leicester City on April 2. They also have the Manchester derby at Old Trafford four days later. Haaland’s fitness will be crucial if City are to fight for the top four in the Premier League as they sit a point behind Chelsea.
Manchester City come from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 despite Erling Haaland’s injury
Manchester City came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 and take a seventh consecutive place in the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will face Nottingham Forest at Wembley. Pep Guardiola said about the win (via Standard):
“We did it. Seven times in a row reaching semi-finals in the FA Cup. I am sorry to tell you, but this is outstanding. This generation of players, they have done this.”
Erling Haaland squandered an early opportunity to give the visitors a 14th-minute penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga. That let-off was seized upon by Bournemouth, who opened the scoring shortly afterwards when Evanilson scrambled home from close range (21′).
City had a strong response after the break as Pep Guardiola turned to Nico O’Reilly at halftime. He made an immediate mark, providing a neat cross for Haaland to draw level just four minutes into the second period. The striker, though, soon limped off injured.
His substitute, Omar Marmoush (63′), was game-changing. O’Reilly took advantage of a defensive mistake to feed the Egyptian striker, who squeezed his effort under Kepa to complete the turnaround.
×
Quick Links
Erling Haaland Injury Scare as Manchester City Edge Past Bournemouth in FA Cup
Manchester City fans will be holding their breath after Erling Haaland sustained an injury during their FA Cup quarter-final match against Bournemouth. Manager Pep Guardiola provided an update following City's narrow 2-1 victory, confirming the Norwegian striker was forced off the pitch due to a knock. This injury comes at a critical time for the Cityzens as they navigate a demanding Premier League schedule and intensely compete for a top-four finish.
Haaland had earlier showcased his scoring prowess by netting the equalizing goal after missing a penalty against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium. However, the joy was short-lived when a collision with Lewis Cook resulted in Cook landing on Haaland's heel, sending the prolific forward tumbling into the advertising hoardings. Despite initial treatment, Haaland signaled to the bench that he couldn't continue, casting a shadow over City's cup win.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola admitted uncertainty regarding the severity of Haaland’s injury, stating, "I don’t know yet, we will have to see." (via Evening Standard).
Late Marmoush Goal Secures FA Cup Semi-Final Spot for City
Despite the Haaland injury concern, Manchester City managed to secure their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the seventh consecutive time. Omar Marmoush, Haaland's replacement, proved to be an inspired substitution. The January signing swiftly made his mark, seizing an opportunity to score the decisive goal, ensuring City's 2-1 victory and passage to Wembley, where they are set to face Nottingham Forest.
Guardiola lauded his team's achievement, remarking, "We did it. Seven times in a row reaching semi-finals in the FA Cup. I am sorry to tell you, but this is outstanding. This generation of players, they have done this." (via Standard).
The match itself was a tale of two halves. Bournemouth initially took the lead after Evanilson's close-range goal in the 21st minute, capitalizing on Haaland's earlier penalty miss, which was expertly saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
However, City responded strongly after the halftime break. Guardiola's tactical switch, introducing Nico O’Reilly, proved pivotal. O'Reilly's precise cross found Haaland just four minutes into the second half, resulting in the equalizer. Marmoush then completed the comeback in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error and O’Reilly’s assist to slot the ball past Arrizabalaga.
Manchester City's upcoming fixtures include a home game against Leicester City on April 2nd and a highly anticipated Manchester derby at Old Trafford just four days later. Haaland's fitness will be paramount as City aim to solidify their top-four position in the Premier League, currently sitting just one point behind Chelsea.
Quick Links
Stay updated with the latest sports news! Follow Sportskeeda for in-depth match reports, player updates, and more.
Edited by Aditya Singh