Erling Haaland has had a sensational 2023. The Norwegian striker proved to be the magic ingredient for Manchester City as far as European success is concerned. The striker has plundered 50 goals in the calendar year, yet, his injury in November halted the ‘Haaland Express’. What was initially diagnosed as a minor injury is taking some time to heal. As per reports, the Norwegian’s year has practically ended and the striker’s return is dependent on when the ‘pain will disappear‘.

The Man City no 9’s last game for the club was the defeat against Aston Villa on December 7. Despite, being top scorer in the Premier League, injuries have not been kind to Haaland who had just recently recovered from one sustained while on International duty. Pep Guardiola & Co would be hoping for their talisman to stay fit in the crucial phase of the season.

‘It’s difficult’, injury analyst predicts Erling Haaland’s return date

Ben Dinnery, an injury analyst and founder of the Premier Injuries website, has given his opinion on Haaland’s return date. He said via X, “Erling Haaland is hoping to return next month. ‘It’s not a stress or fracture but a question of when the pain will disappear. Hopefully, [January]” Interestingly, the initial diagnosis of the injury was stress in his ankle bone. Hence, it seems the star is in the next phase of the recovery and will miss out on Saturday’s game against Sheffield United. The analyst also gave a reason as to why Haaland’s recovery is taking longer than expected. As per him, Haaland’s bulky build could be the problem.

Dinnery explained, “He’s not like Foden, who is small and skinny; Erling is huge, so it’s difficult at times. He’ll be fine, and when he is, he’ll be back and play.” The analyst also added that the striker is training away from the first team. The IFFHS Player of the Year 2023 will feel hard done by his recent injury. Especially, when it looks set to cost him a prestigious award. Erling Haaland’s loss is set to be Cristiano Ronaldo‘s gain.

Haaland set to miss out on major IFFHS prize to Cristiano Ronaldo

The Norwegian’s 2023 has most likely ended. This means that he will finish the year with 50 goals. A remarkable tally but not enough to clinch the ‘IFFHS World’s Best Top Goal Scorer’ award. Ahead of him are Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe with 52 goals each and also Cristiano Ronaldo with 53 goals.

Read More: Pep Guardiola Confirms Date of Erling Haaland’s Return From Injury

Kane and Mbappe will not play any more matches this year, but CR7 will be lining up against Al-Taawoun on Saturday. Hence, Cristiano Ronaldo will end the year as the leading goalscorer. A remarkable turnaround for a player who scored just 16 goals in 2022!

Will the Norwegian & Manchester City win the league this time around? Let us know in the comments below.

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