Haaland Facing Late Fitness Call for Man City’s AEK Athens Clash
Erling Haaland could return for Manchester City’s Champions League meeting with AEK Athens, with Enzo Maresca set to make a late call on his leading scorer ahead of Matchday 3 at the Etihad Stadium.
Key takeaways
- City and Greek champions AEK each have three League Phase points after two matches.
- Antoine Semenyo is expected to miss around eight weeks through injury.
- The Etihad fixture will be Manchester City’s 150th outing in the European Cup/Champions League.
- City have never lost or conceded in four UEFA games against Greek opponents.
- AEK arrive with fresh legs after their scheduled domestic match at the weekend was postponed.
Haaland decision looms after PSG setback
Maresca said Haaland had improved after a demanding recent schedule and could be involved, but the striker’s availability was still unresolved following the final fitness checks.
The City manager confirmed Semenyo is the only player facing a longer absence, with the forward likely to be sidelined for approximately two months.
City need a response after Paris Saint-Germain won 4-2 at the Etihad in the previous European round. Maresca described the AEK match as a major occasion and made clear that his side must get back to winning, selecting the strongest available team.
The contest carries additional significance as City reach 150 matches in UEFA’s premier club competition. A victory would move them on from an uneven opening to the League Phase, having started with one win and one defeat.
Guehi warns City over AEK counter threat
Marc Guehi expects AEK to make the evening uncomfortable for the hosts rather than allow City free control of the game. The defender highlighted the experience and danger in the visitors’ attack, naming Luka Jovic and Joao Mario as players who can punish mistakes.
Guehi said City must be alert to an AEK plan built around defensive discipline and rapid breaks. The Greek side won its opening Champions League fixture and travel to Manchester level with City in the table.
City’s record against teams from Greece offers encouragement: four UEFA meetings, four unbeaten results and no goals conceded. But AEK’s extra recovery time, created by the postponement of their league fixture, adds another tactical consideration as Maresca’s side chase three crucial points.
