Man City teenager in line for promotion after Sky Sports journalist shares Haaland tunnel update

Manchester City could turn to a youth player to ease their striker woes if Erling Haaland's injury keeps him out.

The Norwegian striker netted twice against Ipswich Town, with the Citizens only narrowly winning 3-2 against the newly promoted side.

Haaland has been in fine form, as he always is, scoring eight goals in just seven games this season.

But reports have shared that the City striker was seen limping following full-time on Saturday afternoon.

Following Omar Marmoush's sale to Tottenham, City do not have a natural striker replacement in their squad.

And if fears are to ring true, that could see a 17-year-old youth star be handed his chance in the Premier League.

Why Floyd Samba could get Man City call-up

Sky Sports reporter Jack Gaughan has shared that Haaland went straight down the tunnel at full-time.

He detailed that the Norway international was moving gingerly, and it looked like a potential knee injury.

If that is to keep him out for an extended period, that would certainly be far from ideal for Maresca.

With the Italian having few natural solutions at his disposal to address this potential concern.

Maresca, though, has already shown faith in a younger option this season, handing Floyd Samba 90 minutes against Norwich in the Carabao Cup.

The 17-year-old took his chance exceptionally, scoring twice in a 5-0 win, but has not yet featured since.

He was a livewire across the board as well, creating two chances against the Canaries, as per FotMob, and having more shots than anyone else.

Samba is still young, and he may not be ready to start games for Man City in the Premier League.

However, with limited striker options available, he deserves a chance to train with the first team and be an option off the bench.

Which first-teamer could replace Haaland?

City do have plenty of options to choose from an out-of-position viewpoint.

Antoine Semenyo has played many games throughout his career down the middle as a centre-forward, while Iliman Ndiaye has done the same in the past.

City have many wide options, so pushing one of those down the middle would not take away from other positions.

Additionally, Phil Foden has been utilised as spearheading a front-three in a false nine role in the past.

They are all plausible options, yet none are natural solutions for Maresca like Samba.

In the end, Haaland may be deemed fit, but this is a situation that was always possible, and it could pop up now.