Man City Confirm Semenyo Injury Blow
Man City will be without Antoine Semenyo for around eight weeks with a knee injury, while Erling Haaland faces a fitness test before the AEK Athens clash.
Man City suffer Semenyo injury blow as Maresca gives Haaland update
Manchester City will be without Antoine Semenyo for around eight weeks after the winger suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s victory over Ipswich Town.
Enzo Maresca confirmed the setback on Monday, leaving City facing a lengthy spell without one of their attacking options. Erling Haaland’s availability remains uncertain ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with AEK Athens, with the striker due to be assessed in training.
The updates follow a difficult finish to the Ipswich match, when several City players picked up injuries despite the team securing the win.
Semenyo faces lengthy spell on the sidelines
Semenyo’s appearance against Ipswich was brief before the problems began. Introduced late in the game, he injured his knee shortly after coming on and struggled to move freely through the closing stages.
City were unable to replace him, so the winger stayed on the pitch until the final whistle despite his restricted movement.
Maresca has now put his recovery period at approximately eight weeks, with a return expected around December. The manager said the initial concern had been greater, although the confirmed absence still represents a significant setback.
Losing Semenyo reduces Maresca’s options out wide during a busy stretch of the campaign. His form had made him an important part of City’s attack, and the remaining forwards will now have to cover his contribution.
Jeremy Doku’s availability will take on added importance as City manage their attacking resources over the coming weeks.
Haaland to be assessed before AEK Athens clash
The outlook for Haaland is more encouraging, although Maresca stopped short of confirming that he would play on Tuesday.
The Norwegian remains in contention for the home fixture against AEK Athens. His involvement will depend on how he responds during City’s final training session before the match.
Haaland appeared to hurt his foot following contact with Jack Clarke near the end of the Ipswich game. He was visibly uncomfortable afterwards and left the pitch with a pronounced limp.
His condition reportedly improved on Sunday, giving City hope that the issue will prove short-lived. Monday’s assessment will help determine if he is ready to lead the attack against the Greek side.
Playing at the Etihad gives City the opportunity to monitor him at home as preparations continue.
City monitor further injury concerns
Mateo Kovačić, Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly also caused concern during Saturday’s match.
Kovačić suffered a knock, while O’Reilly appeared to experience further discomfort linked to a back problem. Their availability will remain part of City’s preparations for Tuesday.
Semenyo is the confirmed absentee from that group. Haaland and the other players affected against Ipswich still have a chance of featuring, leaving Maresca waiting for the final fitness checks before settling on his team.
