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Cityzens may have to deal with the next Champions League match without their main striker.
According to a report, Manchester City may enter the January transfer window to sign a new striker if Erling Haaland’s foot injury worsens.
Last weekend, Haaland was forced to miss City’s 2-1 Premier League win over Luton Town, with manager Pep Guardiola stating prior to kickoff that the striker’s absence was due to a “bone stress reaction” in his foot.
Guardiola insisted after the game that the Norwegian had not suffered a foot fracture, but that he should be evaluated on a “day-by-day” or “week-to-week” basis.
Haaland is expected to miss City’s Champions League dead-rubber match against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia on Wednesday, but Guardiola is hopeful that the striker will be able to return in time for the club’s Club World Cup semi-final against Saudi Arabia on December 19.
“The day after (the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on December 6), [Haaland] could hardly walk properly,” Guardiola said after the Luton game.
“I spoke with him yesterday, and he said he was feeling much, much better, and that he could walk without pain.”
“The doctor says we’ll have to see how it goes day by day, week by week.” I don’t think he’ll be ready for Crystal Palace, but we’ll see.”
However, if Man City discovers that Haaland’s injury is more serious than initially thought, Football Insider reports that the treble winners will consider signing a new striker in January.
Cityzens preparing to enter the January transfer window in search of Erling Haaland
According to the report, “the money is there” for the Cityzens to spend on reinforcements if they are needed in the New Year.
Man City are understood to be in no rush to complete any deals during the mid-season transfer window, but injuries could dictate their transfer plans.
Since joining Man City in the summer of 2022, Haaland has established himself as an important first-team player, scoring an impressive 71 goals in 75 appearances across all competitions and breaking numerous records in the process.
The 23-year-old has only missed four Premier League games since moving to England and has scored 50 goals in 50 Premier League games, including 14 goals in 15 games this season.
In Haaland’s absence, Julian Alvarez led the line against Luton, and the Argentine is in line to start as the central striker again against Red Star on Wednesday; academy graduate Oscar Bobb is another attacking option for Guardiola.
Alvarez has primarily played as a backup striker to Haaland this season, but he has been a standout performer for Man City, scoring eight goals and setting up eight more in 23 appearances.
Man City, who are chasing a record-breaking fourth Premier League title in a row, are currently fourth in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool, and have already qualified for the Champions League last 16 as Group G winners.
