Erling Haaland has vowed “I’ll be back” after the Manchester City striker was ruled out for up to seven weeks by an ankle problem.
Sunday’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory at Bournemouth saw Haaland net his 30th goal of the season before coming off with the injury just past the hour, having been hurt in a challenge with Cherries midfielder Lewis Cook.
Giving an update on the Norway international on Tuesday, City boss Pep Guardiola told a press conference: “The doctors told me between five and seven weeks, so hopefully for the end of the season and the Club World Cup he will be ready.”
And on Instagram on Wednesday Haaland posted “I’ll be back” – words made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Terminator films – accompanied by a flexed biceps emoji.
The post also featured a photo of the 24-year-old with his left foot in a protective boot and each arm raised holding up a crutch.
Haaland’s absence is a major blow to City’s hopes of securing qualification for the Champions League, with Sunday’s Derby at Manchester United in the Premier League among the key games he will miss.
Another is the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on April 26 or 27. The FA Cup final takes place on May 17, a day short of seven weeks after he suffered the injury.
City’s final Premier League game is at Fulham on May 25, with their first match in the Club World Cup against Wydad Casablanca being played in the United States on June 18.
