Manchester City have been handed a major injury concern ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash against AEK Athens, with Erling Haaland facing a late fitness test and Antoine Semenyo set to miss around eight weeks of action.
Manager Enzo Maresca is waiting for the latest assessment of Haaland after the Norwegian striker experienced discomfort in his foot during City’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town on October 17, 2026.
While Haaland could still be available for the European fixture on Tuesday, October 20, his participation remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Semenyo’s injury has created another problem for City’s attacking options, leaving Maresca with fewer alternatives if his first-choice striker is unable to play.
With an important Champions League match approaching and a demanding domestic schedule to follow, Manchester City must carefully manage their squad and consider alternative attacking combinations.
Erling Haaland Faces Late Fitness Test Ahead of AEK Athens Clash
Haaland condition is the main talking point ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League fixture.
The striker experienced a foot problem following the team’s 3-2 win over Ipswich Town. Although the issue has not ruled him out completely, City are waiting for further assessments before making a final decision.
Maresca has indicated that Haaland could be available, but the coaching staff remain cautious about his fitness.
“He could be available. We will see. We still have some doubts. He was quite good yesterday,” Maresca explained.
The uncertainty surrounding Haaland comes at an inconvenient time for City. The Norwegian remains an important attacking option, and his absence would force the manager to reconsider the team’s forward line.
City also have a demanding schedule beyond the European fixture, including an away match against Aston Villa on October 24.
That means the club must weigh the importance of the AEK Athens match against the risk of aggravating Haaland’s injury.
A final fitness assessment will be crucial in determining whether the striker can feature from the start, appear as a substitute or miss the game entirely.
Antoine Semenyo Ruled Out for Eight Weeks
While Haaland’s availability remains uncertain, Manchester City have received a clearer update on Antoine Semenyo.
The winger is expected to miss approximately eight weeks after sustaining an injury during the closing stages of the victory over Ipswich Town. He had come off the bench with around 13 minutes remaining before the problem emerged.
The initial assessment raised concerns that the injury could be more serious. However, subsequent scans provided a more encouraging picture, even though Semenyo still faces a lengthy recovery period.
Maresca acknowledged that the diagnosis was less severe than initially feared but confirmed that the player would remain unavailable for an extended period.
The manager also suggested that Semenyo could feel like a new signing when he returns in December.
His absence represents a significant setback because he offers City additional pace, direct running and flexibility across the attacking line.
Semenyo had also been considered an alternative option in central attack if Haaland were unavailable. With the winger now sidelined, Maresca has fewer opportunities to adjust his forward line without disrupting other positions.
Phil Foden Emerges as a Possible Replacement for Haaland
If Haaland fails his fitness test, Maresca may need to use a player outside his natural position to lead the attack.
One potential solution is Phil Foden, who has previously played as a central forward despite primarily operating as an attacking midfielder or wide player.
Maresca confirmed that Foden could be considered for the role, pointing to his previous experience in that position.
Foden’s movement, technical ability and understanding of City’s attacking system could make him a useful alternative. However, using him centrally would also require adjustments elsewhere in the lineup.
Other possible options include Iliman Ndiaye and Jeremy Doku, who could be moved into more central positions depending on the tactical plan.
Rayan Cherki is another candidate. The attacking midfielder has previously played as a false nine during his time at Lyon, offering a different approach to City’s usual centre-forward role.
A false nine typically drops deeper to link play and create space for teammates rather than operating exclusively as a traditional striker.
That approach could help City maintain possession and create attacking opportunities, although it would differ from the direct threat Haaland provides inside the penalty area.
Manchester City Must Balance Their Attacking Options
The combination of Semenyo’s long-term absence and Haaland’s uncertain condition leaves City facing a selection challenge.
Replacing Haaland would not simply involve choosing another forward. Maresca would also need to consider how that decision affects the team’s width, movement and ability to finish chances.
For example:
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Phil Foden: A flexible option who has previous experience playing centrally.
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Jeremy Doku: Could offer pace and dribbling ability in a more advanced role.
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Rayan Cherki: A potential false nine who can contribute to build-up play.
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Iliman Ndiaye: Another possible alternative, depending on the tactical setup.
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Floyd Samba: A young forward who could be considered if the circumstances allow.
Samba, aged 17, previously impressed when given an opportunity as City’s central striker in a Carabao Cup victory over Norwich City in September. He scored twice in that match, demonstrating his potential.
However, a Champions League fixture presents a different level of pressure. Maresca will need to assess whether the teenager is ready for another opportunity or whether a more experienced player would provide greater reliability.
The final decision will depend on Haaland’s condition and the manager’s preferred tactical approach.
What Haaland and Semenyo’s Injuries Mean for Man City
Manchester City’s attacking depth will be tested if Haaland cannot feature against AEK Athens.
The Norwegian’s availability could determine whether Maresca sticks with his established attacking structure or introduces a more experimental lineup.
Semenyo’s expected eight-week absence adds further pressure, particularly with several matches scheduled before his anticipated return in December.
City must therefore find a balance between protecting their key players and maintaining results across competitions.
The upcoming Champions League match provides an immediate test of that flexibility. A fit Haaland would give City a familiar focal point in attack, while his absence would offer other players an opportunity to demonstrate their versatility.
For now, the biggest question remains whether Haaland will be ready to play. Until the final assessment is completed, Manchester City must prepare for both possibilities.
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