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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is set to be sidelined for up to seven weeks after sustaining an ankle injury during Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final victory against Bournemouth, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed. The Norwegian forward, who scored City's equalizer in the 2-1 win, was forced off in the 61st minute. A video later emerged showing the 24-year-old leaving the stadium on crutches with his left ankle in a protective boot.
 

"They told me the doctors estimate between five to seven weeks," Guardiola stated. "Hopefully, he'll be ready by the end of the season and for the Club World Cup."

City previously announced that Haaland would consult a specialist, with expectations that he will still be available for some of the season's crucial fixtures, including the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer.

Despite missing a penalty and two key chances in the match, Haaland made his mark by turning in Nico O'Reilly's cross to level the score before Omar Marmoush netted the winner.

With the Premier League title race slipping away and early exits from the Champions League and Carabao Cup, the FA Cup represents City's last hope of securing silverware this season. Guardiola has dealt with multiple injuries to key players throughout the campaign, with his team currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, just one point behind Chelsea in the fight for a Champions League qualification spot.

If Haaland is out for five weeks, he will miss at least six matches, including the crucial FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on April 26. His earliest potential return would be for City's Premier League clash with Southampton on May 10.

Should his recovery extend to seven weeks, he could be in doubt for the FA Cup final on May 17—if City progresses past Forest. His main target would then be to return for the final Premier League fixture against Fulham on May 25, before the Club World Cup in June and July.

Additionally, City's postponed league fixture against Aston Villa, yet to be rescheduled due to their FA Cup commitments, could further complicate his return schedule.

So far this season, Haaland has scored 30 goals and provided four assists across all competitions. His absence could prove costly for City as they push for a strong finish to a challenging campaign.

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