Manchester City’s attacking depth has taken a significant hit as Antoine Semenyo is confirmed out for eight weeks with a knee injury. The forward limped off during Saturday’s victory over Ipswich, a setback that complicates Enzo Maresca’s plans for Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against AEK Athens. With Erling Haaland also doubtful due to a foot complaint sustained at full-time, the Premier League leaders are left scrambling for a reliable alternative in the number nine role just as they seek to bounce back from their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Maresca forced to improvise as knee injury sidelines key striker ahead of AEK Athens clash
Maresca acknowledged the tactical challenge of replacing Haaland, noting that while Semenyo was the most obvious substitute, other options like Phil Foden and Iliman Ndiaye could be utilized to find new solutions. The Italian manager emphasized his intent to rotate the squad, stating, “To replace Erling it’s always difficult but we have some different options; we’ll see tomorrow.” This decision comes after five players—Haaland, Semenyo, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, and Nico O’Reilly—limped off the pitch in the recent domestic win, highlighting a concerning trend of physical fatigue across the squad.
The injury absence forces Maresca to prioritize rest for Haaland, a necessity he has previously admitted to managing within the demanding European schedule. With the team eager to regain momentum in the Champions League, the manager must balance the need for fresh legs with the lack of a proven starting striker. The upcoming match serves as a critical test of City’s squad resilience, as they look to secure a result that stabilizes their campaign after the recent high-profile loss.
Source: The Guardian Sport
