Erling Haaland Injury Update Confirms Cristiano Ronaldo Will End 2023 As Top Goalscorer In World Soccer
Erling Haaland has played his final game of 2023.
The Norwegian striker has still not returned to full training after suffering a foot injury during Manchester City's 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on December 6.
Manager Pep Guardiola gave an update on Haaland's injury following City's 3-1 win at Everton on Wednesday.
Guardiola revealed that Kevin De Bruyne is likely to return before Haaland.
On Haaland, Guardiola told ManCity.com: "He's training a lot but not with the team yet.
"Kevin is with the team. Erling not yet but feels better.
"It's not a stress or fracture but a question on when the pain will disappear. Hopefully [he will return in January]."
Erling Haaland pictured during his most recent appearance for Manchester City - in a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on December 6
IMAGO/PA Images/Nick Potts
Guardiola added: "The bone is fit but painful. He's not like [Phil] Foden who is small and skinny. Erling is huge so it's difficult at times.
"He'll be fine, and when he is he'll be back and play. The doctors come every morning and say 'this player is available and this one is not'. Until then, I create the team and we play games."
Haaland has scored 50 goals for City and Norway in 2023.
Haaland has scored 50 goals in 2023 - including 44 for Man City
IMAGO/News Images/Conor Molloy
He is one of only four players in world soccer to reach a half-century of goals during the current calendar year.
Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe have both netted 52 goals each in 2023.
But Cristiano Ronaldo is this year's leading scorer with 53 goals - 43 for Al Nassr and 10 for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the leading scorer in world soccer this year with 53 goals
IMAGO/Sports Press Photo/Alexandre Neto
Kane and Mbappe will play no further games this year, but Ronaldo will have one final opportunity to increase his tally when Al Nassr visit Al-Taawoun on Saturday.
City also have one game remaining in 2023 - at home against Sheffield United on December 30.
But after being ruled out of that game, Haaland is now unable to catch Ronaldo.
Which Player Has Scored The Most Goals In 2023?
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 53 goals (43 for Al Nassr, 10 for Portugal)
- Harry Kane: 52 goals (25 for Bayern, 18 for Spurs, 9 for England)
- Kylian Mbappe: 52 goals (42 for PSG, 10 for France)
- Erling Haaland: 50 goals (44 for Man City, 6 for Norway)
