Antoine Semenyo Set for Up to Eight Weeks Out With Knee Injury
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo is facing up to eight weeks out with a knee injury, with Enzo Maresca relieved that scans ruled out the serious ligament damage first feared.
Key takeaways
- Semenyo sustained the problem after coming off the bench in Saturday’s 3-2 Premier League win over Ipswich Town.
- The Ghana international is unavailable for Tuesday night’s Champions League home match against AEK Athens.
- Initial fears of a long-term knee ligament injury have eased following further examinations.
- Erling Haaland also took a blow to his foot late in the Ipswich game but was able to dismiss the issue.
- City expect Semenyo to be back in first-team contention during December.
Scan brings relief, but City lose an attacking option
Semenyo entered the action late at the Etihad Stadium but suffered the injury shortly afterwards. He was seen limping towards the tunnel after the final whistle as City held on through a tense closing spell.
The first medical assessment caused real concern inside the club, with the possibility of a major ligament problem raised. Subsequent scans delivered a far more encouraging outcome, although Maresca will still be without the winger for a significant period.
“We feel much better after the scan because it is not as serious as we thought,” Maresca said. “It could be eight weeks. The priority now is his recovery.”
Semenyo has been a regular option for Maresca this season, and his absence removes pace and direct running from City’s attacking choices at a demanding point in the calendar.
What happens next
City must reshuffle their wide options immediately for the visit of AEK Athens in the Champions League on Tuesday. Semenyo will play no part as the manager looks to manage a packed run of domestic and European fixtures.
Haaland’s late foot knock does not appear to be a comparable concern, but Semenyo will begin a rehabilitation programme aimed at avoiding any further setback. City hope the Ghana forward can return sometime in December.
