Manchester City sweat on Haaland fitness as Semenyo faces eight-week lay-off
Manchester City will be without Antoine Semenyo for up to eight weeks when they face AEK Athens in the Champions League, while Erling Haaland remains a fitness doubt after suffering a knock.
Enzo Maresca must also lift his side following last week’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Haaland will be checked closer to kick-off, with City needing a response in Europe despite Semenyo’s knee injury ruling him out.
Quick facts
- Antoine Semenyo has a knee problem and is expected to miss eight weeks.
- Erling Haaland will be assessed before the AEK Athens match.
- City are heading into the tie after losing to Paris Saint-Germain.
- Marc Guéhi has joined Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Issa Diop in not taking the knee during Premier League matches.
- Guéhi says City’s players are focused on football despite the club’s financial-breach case.
Guéhi, who arrived at City in January and has been included in a four-player leadership group, has explained his decision not to join the pre-match anti-racism gesture. Instead, the centre-back has been applauding.
The knee-taking gesture was brought into English football in June 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. Premier League captains reduced its use in 2022, and a number of players opted out during the latest round of fixtures.
Asked whether the gesture had lost some of its significance, Guéhi said: “Maybe. I haven’t taken the knee for a while. I would always clap because of what that represents.”
He stressed that the campaign and its message still matter, but called for further action. Guéhi believes racism is not an issue football can solve alone, describing it as a broader problem in society, while saying the game can help carry the message.
The defender added that players, the PFA and the Premier League should explore how the campaign can develop. “More can always be done,” he said.
Squad block out off-field noise
Guéhi also addressed the financial-breach verdict against City, with the club pursuing an appeal. He said the dressing room has remained calm and retains confidence in the club.
“There are a lot of relaxed faces because we trust and believe in the football club and what has been happening here,” Guéhi said.
He acknowledged that external discussion can distract a squad, but pointed to the team’s spirit and unity as City concentrate on their next match. Maresca will need that collective focus against AEK, particularly if Haaland cannot feature and Semenyo begins his lengthy absence.
