Haaland fitness in doubt for City vs AEK clash

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has issued injury updates ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with AEK Athens, revealing that Erling Haaland is a doubt due to a minor knock sustained during Saturday’s 3-2 win over Ipswich Town ^[1]. The Norwegian striker scored twice but limped off late, prompting concern. Maresca said Haaland was ‘quite good yesterday, better’ and that his availability remains uncertain, though he added there is a chance he could play ^[2].

The bigger blow is the confirmed injury to winger Antoine Semenyo, who will be sidelined for eight weeks due to a lower leg issue ^[1]. Maresca said initial fears were worse, but scans confirmed it was not a muscle injury, describing it as a ‘collateral’ problem ^[2]. He stressed the importance of recovery and noted Semenyo’s return is expected around December, bringing fresh energy to the squad.

With Haaland potentially unavailable, Maresca acknowledged the difficulty of replacing him, as the striker has scored 12 goals in 12 appearances this season ^[2]. He confirmed Phil Foden could be an option in the number nine role, having played there in the past ^[1], though he added Foden is not the only solution. Maresca said the team will adapt if needed, but emphasized: ‘At the moment the number nine is Erling’.

The manager also confirmed that the rest of the squad is ‘more or less okay’, with no major concerns beyond the two injured players ^[1]. He stressed the importance of the Champions League fixture, following a recent loss to PSG, and said City will field their best available players.

According to ^[2], Maresca suggested Foden could be a long-term solution at number nine — a claim reported by only one source and thus unconfirmed. The story was first reported by Metro and The Independent.