Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo is expected to be sidelined for approximately eight weeks after suffering a knee injury during Saturday’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town.
Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the setback on Monday, 19 October 2026, ahead of City’s Champions League meeting with AEK Athens on Tuesday.
The Ghana international underwent scans following the match, with the results showing that the injury was less serious than initially feared.
According to Manchester City’s official announcement, Maresca expects Semenyo to be unavailable for around two months, potentially keeping him out until December.
The news comes as City prepare for a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
How Semenyo suffered the injury
Semenyo was introduced as a substitute in the 77th minute against Ipswich but experienced discomfort towards the end of the match.
The 26-year-old was subsequently assessed by the club’s medical staff.
Maresca said the initial concern was that the injury could be more serious, but scans provided some reassurance.
The manager explained that the problem involved a collateral ligament rather than a muscle injury.
He said the immediate priority was allowing Semenyo to recover properly before returning to action.
Although eight weeks is the current estimate, the club has not announced an exact return date. His availability will depend on rehabilitation and further medical assessments.
A setback for City’s attack
Semenyo has made an important contribution to Manchester City’s strong start to the Premier League season.
The Ghanaian has registered two goals and three assists in City’s opening seven league matches, according to contemporary reports.
His pace, direct running, and ability to operate across the attacking positions have given Maresca flexibility when selecting his forward line.
City have won all seven of their opening Premier League matches under Maresca, but Semenyo’s absence reduces the options available as fixtures become more demanding.
The manager will now have to consider how best to distribute attacking responsibilities among the remaining fit players.
Haaland could still face AEK Athens.
City received more encouraging news concerning Erling Haaland, who also suffered a knock during the victory over Ipswich.
The Norwegian striker was left limping after a challenge late in the match, raising concerns about his availability for Tuesday’s Champions League fixture.
However, Maresca indicated that Haaland could still be involved, depending on his condition after the team’s final training session.
As Reuters reported, the manager remained hopeful about the striker’s fitness but stopped short of confirming his selection.
Haaland’s availability is particularly important because Semenyo had been considered one of City’s possible alternatives in central attacking positions.
Maresca has also identified Phil Foden as a player capable of providing attacking cover when required.
City seek improvement in Europe.
Manchester City enter Tuesday’s home match against AEK Athens looking to strengthen their position in the Champions League.
Despite their perfect start in the Premier League, their European campaign has been less convincing.
City have collected three points from their opening two Champions League matches and were 17th in the competition’s league-phase standings before the AEK fixture.
Their previous European outing ended in a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
A positive result against AEK would help City recover from that setback and improve their position in the competition.
However, Maresca must balance the immediate need for results with the fitness of players facing a busy schedule.
What the injury means for Ghana
Semenyo’s expected absence is also a concern for Ghana’s national team.
An eight-week recovery period could affect his availability for international fixtures scheduled before December.
However, neither Manchester City nor Ghana’s football authorities have confirmed a match-by-match absence for the forward.
His international availability will depend on medical progress and any subsequent assessments.
The club’s immediate focus remains his recovery rather than setting a firm return date.
What happens next?
Manchester City must now prepare for AEK Athens without Semenyo while awaiting a final decision on Haaland’s fitness.
The injury comes at a time when Maresca is trying to maintain City’s strong domestic form and improve their Champions League results.
The manager has indicated that other players who experienced discomfort against Ipswich are generally in better condition, leaving Semenyo as the main longer-term injury concern.
For City, the challenge will be to manage the next two months without one of their regular attacking contributors.
For Semenyo, the priority is a full recovery that allows him to return without rushing the rehabilitation process.
