Erling Haaland sends bullish message & strikes a pose with his crutches after Man City hitman was sidelined for several weeks with ankle injury

Haaland left the pitch in pain after hurting his ankle during Manchester City's FA Cup win over Bournemouth at the weekend, as Omar Marmoush replaced him just past the hour mark. The Norwegian goal machine was later spotted in a protective boot. On Tuesday, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that the forward has been ruled out for several weeks after initial tests on his left ankle.

A day after his injury news came out, Haaland posed for a photograph with his crutches aloft and posted it on his Instagram with the caption: "I’ll be back."

Haaland's injury comes as a huge blow for the Cityzens, who have struggled for form since last October and are now fighting for a top-five finish in the Premier League to secure a Champions League slot. In the Norwegian's absence, Guardiola will need to make a tactical tweak to slot in the right man to take the star forward's place.

The Cityzens will be back in action in the Premier League on Wednesday as they take on Leicester City at Etihad Stadium.