Manchester City striker Erling Haaland could miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ankle injury, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
The Norwegian forward faces between five and seven weeks on the sidelines following the injury sustained during City's 2-1 FA Cup semi-final victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.
Haaland underwent scans on Monday before being referred to a specialist who delivered the concerning prognosis for the Premier League champions.
The Etihad faithful feared the worst when Haaland was spotted leaving the Vitality Stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland could miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ankle injury, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed
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The 24-year-old striker underwent initial scans on Monday to assess the severity of the injury.
He was subsequently referred to a specialist for additional checks.
The specialist ultimately ruled that the former Borussia Dortmund man would be sidelined for up to seven weeks of action.
This latest setback adds to what has been a challenging campaign for the reigning champions.
Erling Haaland has been a shining light for Man City amid a difficult season under Pep Guardiola
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Guardiola spoke candidly about the injury timeline, saying: "They told me, the doctors, [that he'll be out for] between five and seven weeks.
"So hopefully the end of the season and in the [Club] World Cup he will be ready."
The City manager expressed sympathy for his star striker's situation.
"I'm so sorry for them. And for Erling as well. [Hopefully, he can] recover speedy [and] as quickly as possible and come back," Guardiola lamented.
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The injury represents yet another headache for the Spanish manager.
Haaland has been City's standout performer in what Guardiola described as his "worst-ever season" in charge of the club.
The striker, who signed a new nine-and-a-half-year contract in January, has netted an impressive 30 goals in 40 appearances this season.
His absence comes at a critical time for Manchester City, who currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.
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This represents unfamiliar territory for Guardiola's side, who have qualified for the Champions League every year since he took charge in 2016.
City will be back in action tomorrow night when they welcome Leicester City to the Etihad.
Guardiola's men are currently one point behind Chelsea in the league standings.
Pep Guardiola was speaking ahead of Man City's Premier League clash with Leicester on Wednesday night
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The manager acknowledged the difficulties of this campaign, saying: "Sometimes there are years that these kind of things happen."
"I would say that could not be different at the end of the season. With all the dangers that we had this season, I'm so sorry for them."
City fans will now anxiously await updates on their talismanic striker's recovery progress.
