Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has made headlines again – but not for his goal-scoring prowess. The Norwegian phenom faces backlash after liking an Instagram post mocking Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly following West Ham’s surprise 2-1 victory over the Gunners. The social media activity comes days after Haaland was ruled out of Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool due to a muscular injury.
Injury Woes Mount for City
Pep Guardiola confirmed Haaland will miss this weekend’s top-of-the-table showdown at Anfield after failing to recover from a knock sustained in training. This marks the second significant absence this season for the 24-year-old forward, who’s already scored 19 Premier League goals in 25 appearances. Medical staff remain cautious given his history of deep bruising issues during his Borussia Dortmund tenure.
Controversy Follows Social Media Activity
While sidelined physically, Haaland stirred controversy online by endorsing fan content ridiculing Lewis-Skelly’s red-card incident. The 17-year-old Arsenal prospect received two yellow cards within minutes during West Ham’s upset victory. Critics argue Haaland’s actions contradict his usual professional demeanor, though supporters claim it shows his competitive spirit.
Record-Breaking Form Continues
Despite recent setbacks, Haaland maintains staggering numbers:
- 27 goals in 35 matches across all competitions this season
- 194 career club goals in 272 appearances
- 38 international goals for Norway
His aerial dominance (194cm height) and clinical finishing remain unmatched in modern football. Guardiola recently defended his star: “When people question Erling, they forget he’s rewriting history every time he plays”.
What’s Next?
City medical staff aim for Haaland’s return in March ahead of Champions League quarter-finals. The striker continues rehabilitation while managing off-field scrutiny. As Guardiola noted: “Great players create conversations – good and bad. That’s why we pay to watch them”.
