Man City Injury Update: Confirmed latest on Erling Haaland, Rodri and more | OneFootball

Man City Injury Setbacks Cloud Season’s Final Push

Manchester City’s pursuit of another silver-lined spring is being tempered by familiar concerns: injuries, uncertainty, and the delicate balance between ambition and risk. As Pep Guardiola’s side chase yet more glory across multiple fronts, key absences threaten to disrupt the rhythm of a team built on control and continuity.

Erling Haaland’s Absence Leaves Gaping Void

There is never a good time to lose your most prolific striker, but with the run-in looming, the timing of Erling Haaland’s latest injury feels especially cruel for City. The Norwegian forward, whose brute force and instinctive finishing have reshaped the Premier League’s defensive landscape, limped out of City’s FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth following a robust challenge from Lewis Cook.

Haaland initially attempted to soldier on before eventually signalling for a substitution. Post-match, he was seen departing the Vitality Stadium on crutches, sporting a protective boot. Initial scans have been inconclusive, prompting a specialist consultation to assess the full extent of the left ankle damage.

“Manchester City FC can confirm that Erling Haaland has suffered an injury to his left ankle,” read the club’s statement. “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.”

That timeline, though hopeful, is draped in ambiguity. Without Haaland, City’s attack must adjust. Omar Marmoush has stepped into the breach, supported by the returning Oscar Bobb, but Guardiola’s orchestration will be tested as the fixtures intensify.

John Stones and Defensive Fragility

Injuries to attacking players always draw attention, but City’s growing list of defensive casualties may prove even more disruptive. John Stones has been besieged by fitness issues all season, and his most recent setback — a thigh problem picked up against Real Madrid — adds to a campaign that has lacked consistency and rhythm.

Photo: IMAGO

Guardiola, in February, offered a timeframe that now feels cautiously optimistic: “He can be recovered during eight to 10 weeks without surgery.” As things stand, there’s no confirmed return date, and City’s defensive cohesion continues to wobble without his composure on the ball.

Meanwhile, Manuel Akanji remains out following surgery for a muscle injury, also sustained during the clash with Madrid. He’s targeting a May return, but time is ticking.

Rodri’s Slow Climb Back to Fitness

Perhaps the most delicately handled case in the Etihad treatment room is that of Rodri. The midfield metronome, absent since undergoing knee surgery in September, has started light training but is still some way off full match fitness.

“I don’t know,” Guardiola admitted when asked about his possible return. “It would be nice if he played tomorrow but don’t do a wrong decision right now and make a step back… We have to be sure that he’s fine and after he’ll be involved.”

Rodri’s influence stretches far beyond tackles and passes. He dictates tempo, plugs gaps, and orchestrates transitions. His absence is a tactical void that even the most fluid of systems struggles to fill.

Nathan Ake’s Long Road Back

Adding to Guardiola’s growing conundrum is Nathan Ake’s foot fracture, which required surgery earlier this month. The versatile defender, a key component of City’s hybrid backline, is expected to be out for at least 10 to 11 weeks. His presence at the Club World Cup remains uncertain, much like so many others in City’s first team.

Crisis or Control? Guardiola’s Balancing Act

Injuries are football’s great leveller, and even a squad as deep and meticulously built as Manchester City’s can feel stretched. With so many return dates undefined, Guardiola faces a complex equation: push for trophies with a thinned-out core, or protect long-term fitness at the cost of short-term gains?

What is certain is that City’s margin for error narrows with every unavailable name on the team sheet. For now, hope remains — but so does doubt.