Manchester City are set to face Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in their next two games in all competitions, but they will have to manage without their star striker Erling Braut Haaland.
The 23-year-old has been sidelined since picking up a knock against Aston Villa in the first week of December.
The Norway international was expected to return for the Club World Cup last month but failed to make a full recovery.
Manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Haaland is likely to be out until the end of January.
“It’s the bone – it needs time,” the Spanish boss told Mancity.com. “With every injury you can do whatever you want, but it’s a question of time.”
Haaland had already been ruled out of the coming Premier League fixture against Newcastle, after which the Cityzens have a 13-day break.
The English giants will then travel to Abu Dhabi for warm-weather training before returning to FA Cup action against Tottenham Hotspur on January 26.
Missing the remainder of December means Haaland will not only be out against Spurs but will also remain sidelined for the home clash with Burnley five days later.
The Norwegian has been a huge success for City since joining the club last year from Borussia Dortmund.
He smashed over 50 goals in his debut campaign, helping his side win a continental treble.
The 23-year-old has already scored 14 goals in the English top-flight this season despite missing four consecutive matches.
Guardiola will be hoping to have Haaland back in the squad soon as City will bid to retain their Premier League title.
They are currently third in the standings, five points behind leaders Liverpool.
