Manchester City could delve into the January transfer window to recruit a new striker if Erling Haaland's foot injury worsens, according to a report.
Haaland was forced to miss City's 2-1 win over Luton Town in the Premier League last weekend, with manager Pep Guardiola stating prior to kickoff that the striker's absence was due to a "bone stress reaction" in his foot.
Guardiola insisted after the match that the Norwegian has not sustained a fracture to his foot, but he needs to be assessed on a "day-by-day" or "week-to-week" basis.
Haaland is expected to miss City's Champions League dead-rubber against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia on Wednesday, but Guardiola is hopeful that the striker can return in time for their Club World Cup semi-final fixture in Saudi Arabia on December 19.
"The day after (the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on December 6), [Haaland] could hardly walk properly," Guardiola told reporters after the game against Luton.
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"Yesterday I spoke with him and he said he was feeling much, much better, that he could walk without pain.
"The doctor says we have to see day-by-day, week-by-week how it will get better. Maybe he will be ready for Crystal Palace, I don't think so but we will see."
However, should Man City discover that Haaland's injury is worse than first feared, Football Insider reports that the treble winners will contemplate signing a new striker in January.
The report adds that "the money is there" for the Citizens to spend on reinforcements if required in the New Year.
It is understood that Man City are in no hurry to finalise any deals in the mid-season transfer window, but injuries could dictate their transfer plans.
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Haaland has established himself as an important first-team player for Man City since joining the club in the summer of 2022, scoring an exceptional 71 goals in 75 appearances across all competitions and breaking a plethora of records in the process.
The 23-year-old has only missed four Premier League games since arriving in England and has scored 50 goals in as many top-flight games, including 14 strikes in 15 matches so far this season.
In the absence of Haaland, Julian Alvarez led the line in the victory at Luton, and the Argentine is in contention to start as the central striker once again against Red Star on Wednesday; academy graduate Oscar Bobb is another attacker at Guardiola's disposal.
Alvarez has predominantly operated as a shadow striker behind Haaland this season, but has nevertheless been a standout performer for Man City this season, scoring eight goals and setting up eight more in 23 appearances.
Man City, who are chasing a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League title, currently sit fourth in the table and four points adrift of leaders Liverpool, while they have already qualified for the Champions League last 16 as Group G winners.
Oliver Thomas
