Semenyo Sidelined for Two Months
Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo is set to be out for approximately eight weeks after suffering a knee injury in Saturday's 3-2 Premier League win over Ipswich Town, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Monday. The Ghana international, who joined City from Bournemouth in January, picked up the problem late in the game after coming on as a substitute and was seen limping after the final whistle.
Maresca revealed that scans on Sunday showed the damage was less severe than initially feared. "In the first moment we expected an even worse injury so we were more worried," he said. "After yesterday's scan we feel much better because it's not so big like we expected. It could be eight weeks. Now in this moment the most important thing for him is his recovery. When he is back around December it will be like a new player in terms of energy."
The manager also confirmed that the injury is collateral ligament damage rather than a muscle issue, and that Semenyo will miss Tuesday's Champions League clash with AEK Athens as well as a busy domestic and European schedule. The 26-year-old has scored two goals in all competitions this season, both in the same match against Sunderland last month.
A Growing Injury List at the Etihad
Semenyo's absence is the latest blow in a mounting injury crisis that has hit City's attacking options. Erling Haaland also limped off against Ipswich with a suspected ankle problem, though Maresca offered a more positive update on the Norwegian striker. "He can be available," Maresca said ahead of the AEK game. "We'll see. We have a session now and we have some doubts after Sunday's game. He was quite good yesterday. Better. So we'll see today."
Mateo Kovačić, Matheus Nunes and Nico O'Reilly also picked up knocks in the win over Ipswich, leaving Maresca with a depleted squad. The City boss said the rest of the squad is "more or less okay" but acknowledged that losing Semenyo is a significant setback. "First of all, to lose Antoine or any player for us is not good," he added.
Semenyo had been identified as a potential deputy for Haaland through the middle, but with the winger now sidelined, Maresca will need to find alternative solutions. "In terms of Erling, we said we can use Antoine as a nine but we have different players that we are going to try to find a new solution," he said. "At the moment it's Erling. Why do we need to think about a different nine when Erling is there? If something happens and we need a different plan or different nine, we will see."
City's Strong Start Under Maresca
The injury news comes at a time when Manchester City have made an impressive start to the season under new manager Enzo Maresca. The win over Ipswich maintained their 100 per cent record in the Premier League, extending their winning streak to seven games and lifting them six points clear of champions Arsenal at the top of the table.
Haaland has been in prolific form, scoring 12 goals in all competitions already, including a brace against Ipswich that was denied a hat-trick by VAR. However, the Norwegian's heavy workload has raised concerns, having played full 90 minutes in back-to-back games following international duty. The potential absence of both Haaland and Semenyo would leave City short of recognized striking options, with Jeremy Doku and Iliman Ndiaye among the wide players who could benefit from additional opportunities.
City's squad depth will be tested in the coming weeks as they juggle Premier League and Champions League commitments. The visit of AEK Athens on Tuesday is followed by a busy run of fixtures that could define their season. Maresca's side have also had to deal with the fallout from being found guilty of serious breaches of the competition's financial regulations last month, though the club have responded strongly on the pitch.
Wider Implications for City's Season
Semenyo's injury highlights the growing strain on squads in modern football, with the congested calendar and international breaks taking a toll on players. City's ability to cope without key personnel will be crucial as they aim to sustain their title challenge and progress in Europe.
The injury also raises questions about City's attacking depth. With Semenyo out until December, Maresca may need to rely on younger players or adjust his tactical approach. The manager's comments suggest he is reluctant to change his system while Haaland is available, but the situation could force his hand if the Norwegian's fitness issues persist.
For Semenyo, the focus will be on rehabilitation and returning to full fitness. The winger has shown flashes of quality since joining City but has yet to fully establish himself as a regular starter. A return in December, as Maresca hopes, would provide a timely boost for the busy festive period.
City's medical staff will be working overtime to manage the current crisis, and the club's title credentials will be tested in the coming weeks. With Arsenal and other challengers lurking, any slip-up could prove costly. The next few games will reveal just how well-equipped Maresca's squad is to handle adversity.
As the football world turns its attention to the ongoing challenges of player welfare and fixture congestion, City's situation serves as a reminder of the fine margins that can define a season. The club's response to this injury setback could go a long way to determining whether they lift the trophy come May.
For now, all eyes will be on the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night to see how City cope without Semenyo and whether Haaland is fit enough to lead the line.
Comments