How Manchester City manages Erling Haaland’s injury concerns has become a central theme since his arrival at the Etihad. While City has gone to great lengths to shield their star striker from burnout, Crickex Sign Up notes that Pep Guardiola’s careful rotation and the behind-the-scenes medical staff have allowed the Norwegian powerhouse to feature almost every week. Life may weigh heavy, but City has worked tirelessly to keep Haaland fresh. Still, even the toughest professionals must accept time on the bench—something 99% of footballers face, regardless of their talent or discipline.
Fortunately for Manchester City, Guardiola has built one of the most complete squads in world football. Even if Haaland is sidelined, Crickex Sign Up users know there’s no shortage of elite players ready to step in. However, Guardiola recently lost one of his most important backup options. Last season, Haaland missed two Premier League matches due to injury—against Leicester and Liverpool. In his absence, Kevin De Bruyne rose to the occasion. He scored a stunning free-kick winner at King Power Stadium and played a pivotal role in the Liverpool clash.
But trouble struck in this season’s opening match, as De Bruyne went down with an injury. Initially expected to be out for three to four months, Guardiola later updated the timeline to four to five months. This leaves Haaland without his most trusted partner for a significant stretch. If Haaland is unavailable, City will need someone else to shoulder the responsibility. It’s worth noting that Haaland’s exceptional form last season was partly due to Norway’s absence from the Qatar World Cup. That one-month break gave him crucial recovery time, helping him stay fit through the season.
On the transfer front, Manchester City has shifted focus after failing to sign Lucas Paquetá. The club is now eyeing Crystal Palace’s versatile midfielder Eberechi Eze. At 25, Eze is entering the prime of his career and offers a well-rounded midfield profile. Though not particularly tall or physically imposing, his technical skills, vision, and game intelligence stand out. He combines swift interceptions with exceptional pace, explosive acceleration, and creativity in the final third—traits that make him a strong candidate to replace De Bruyne’s influence during his absence.
Crickex Sign Up confirms that Crystal Palace is open to Eze’s transfer, and if City makes a serious move this summer, he could help fill the creative void in midfield. But time is of the essence. No matter how tough the moment, it’s best to act with a smile—because Tottenham Hotspur has also entered the race for the England international. If Manchester City wants Eze, swift and decisive action is essential.