STATUS: OFFICIAL — OCTOBER 19, 2026, 18:45
Manchester City have confirmed a significant absence in attack. Antoine Semenyo is expected to remain sidelined for around eight weeks after sustaining a knee injury late in the 3–2 victory over Ipswich Town.
MARESCA’S CONFIRMATION
Head coach Enzo Maresca said in his pre-AEK press conference that Sunday’s scan showed an injury less serious than initially feared. Even so, the current estimate is an absence of up to eight weeks. The club have not set an exact return date.
THE HAALAND SITUATION
Erling Haaland also took a knock to his foot and ankle against Ipswich. Maresca said the striker could be available for the Champions League meeting with AEK Athens, but his condition must be checked after the final session. Haaland’s participation should therefore not yet be presented as guaranteed.
THE ATTACKING OPTIONS
Semenyo was one of the alternatives capable of playing centrally and easing Haaland’s workload. Maresca said City have other solutions, but he did not confirm the lineup or replacement for Tuesday’s match.
The eight-week timeframe is the manager’s public estimate and may change with the progress of rehabilitation. No operation has been announced and the club have released no further medical detail.
The accompanying image is an original conceptual editorial illustration; it does not depict Semenyo, Manchester City or a real medical scene.
SOURCE: Manchester City, October 19, 2026 — https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/maresca-aek-athen-written-press-conference-63928003 SOURCE: Reuters, October 19, 2026 — https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/citys-injured-semenyo-out-eight-weeks-haaland-may-be-fit-face-aek-2026-10-19/
