Manchester City’s preparations for a European night against AEK Athens have been interrupted by a significant injury concern, with Antoine Semenyo expected to miss around two months after damaging his knee in the closing stages of the 3-2 win over Ipswich Town.
A setback after the Ipswich victory
City took three points from their seventh-round league meeting with Ipswich, but the result came at a cost. Semenyo suffered a knee injury late in the match and manager Enzo Maresca confirmed before Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against AEK Athens that the winger faces an extended absence.
- Antoine Semenyo sustained the injury near the end of the 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town.
- Maresca expects the player to be unavailable for approximately eight weeks.
- The City coach said the rest of his squad was broadly in reasonable condition ahead of the AEK match.
“The others are more or less fine,” Maresca said. “The only one likely to be out for eight weeks is Antoine.”
Haaland offers a more positive update
There was better news from the manager on Erling Haaland. The Norwegian had left the field limping after a heavy challenge in the Ipswich game, creating concern over his fitness for the Champions League encounter.
Maresca indicated that Haaland could still feature against the Greek side, saying the forward “may be available”.
City must rethink their attacking cover
Semenyo’s absence matters beyond the loss of a wide option. City had been preparing him for a more central role, with the idea of using him as a striker during the demanding run of fixtures and giving Haaland opportunities to rest.
Maresca acknowledged that the plan will now have to change as the club moves from domestic competition into its continental schedule.
- Semenyo had been considered as a possible central-forward alternative.
- His role was intended to help manage Haaland’s workload during a congested period.
- City will now look elsewhere in the squad for a replacement solution.
“Losing Antoine, or any player, is not good for us,” Maresca said. “We had said that Antoine could be used as a centre-forward for Erling, but we have other players and we will try to find another solution. We will see.”
