Erling Haaland’s ankle injury marred Manchester City’s latest 2-1 win against AFC Bournemouth in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
It was telling that the Norwegian international had to ask to be substituted seconds after receiving treatment as he was taken off for Omar Marmoush.
Manchester City’s official website has confirmed that Erling Haaland will now be ruled out through his injury for weeks but could still return just in time before the end of the season.
Owen Hargreaves highlighted Haaland’s consistency this season and heralded him for being City’s only player who has performed throughout the campaign.
But now, as the 24-year-old will be sidelined for several games, Manchester City fans are asking Marmoush to step up in his absence.
Man City fans demand Omar Marmoush to rescue them after Erling Haaland injury
One Manchester City fan reacted to Haaland’s injury blow by claiming that it is “Marmoush time”, writing: “Okay, so Haaland is definitely out for a while. It’s Marmoush time.”
A second City supporter was relieved that the club have the Egyptian forward on their books as well: “Very disappointing. At least we aren’t in the midst of a title race though. Should still have enough to get top five. Fingers crossed, he’s back for the FA Cup final, if we get there. Thankfully, we’ve got Marmoush now too.”
A third Manchester City fan was confident Marmoush would replace the injured Haaland with ease: “I think we’ll be okay considering it’s ‘weeks’. Potentially back for [Nottingham] Forest or maybe [Aston] Villa? Confident Marmoush can deputise in between. In fact, I’m looking forward to seeing it.”
A fourth City fan added: “The striker spot is in safe hands. Haaland can take a month of rest. Marmoush hat-trick at Old Trafford this weekend.”
However, a fifth Manchester City fan doubted Marmoush’s ability to lead the line in Haaland’s absence, referencing his quiet display in the Sky Blues’ 2-0 defeat against Liverpool in February: “Marmoush isn’t a striker. The Liverpool game, don’t you guys remember?”
A sixth Manchester City supporter claimed that for Marmoush to thrive up front, the wide players will have to contribute with goals and assists: “Might be a big ask but for Marmoush to work up front, we need the wingers to actually start to contribute with G/A (goals and assists).”
Omar Marmoush’s record as a striker for Manchester City
The former Eintracht Frankfurt goalscorer will be hoping that he continues to deputise in the Leeds-born striker’s absence in the same way as he did against Bournemouth by scoring the all-important winner.
Ian Wright described Marmoush as “fantastic” and the early signs of him in this City team have been positive.
So far, Marmoush has played four games as a striker for Manchester City in Haaland’s absence against Leyton Orient, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
Aside from against the Cherries, the 26-year-old was scoreless in every one of his outings — which would worry Pep Guardiola. However, Arsene Wenger feels Marmoush is fearless and he will likely be relishing the extra sense of responsibility on his shoulders now.
