Phil Foden sent stark 'step up' warning after Erling Haaland injury - with Man City backed to play Nico O'Reilly as striker over Omar Marmoush

Star striker Haaland is expected to miss the majority of the remainder of the season after sustaining an ankle injury in his team's FA Cup quarter-final win against Bournemouth on Sunday. The news means Pep Guardiola will need to make a tactical tweak to fill the Norway international's role and fans have given their ideas on how to replace him.

The loss of Haaland has resulted in supporters calling on other stars such as Foden to step up, with @Ba11Talk writing on X: "Will be a big few weeks for Marmoush and Foden in Haaland’s absence. Marmoush already proving himself but Foden now needs to step up."

@falsewinger_ argued: "And it's all very funny because the best option imo is to play Nico O'Riley up top and play Marmoush behind him as a second striker. Nico played as a 9 in the academy in a similar injury situation and actually scored a lot..."

"Unfortunate that Erling is injured but excited to see Marmoush get some starts/more minutes," wrote @SheikhMCI. "Been electric all season and think he'll provide much needed energy and impetus. Seems more and more like a great mid-season acquisition."

@Priceless_MCI said: "Haaland out for the rest of the season ?? Don’t worry Marmoush is stepping up."

"Letting [Julian] Alvarez go was a big mistake hmmm," @Chiller42319434 said.

Foden has faced criticism throughout this season for his disappointing performances for club and country. The 24-year-old is said to be suffering from "mental fatigue" ever since England's final defeat at Euro 2024.

Foden, who has seven Premier Leauge goals so far this season, will hope to show he can help lift the team amid Haaland's absence when they face struggling Leicester on Wednesday.