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Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo is expected to spend up to eight weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury, dealing a setback to the Premier League side ahead of a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the Ghana international’s expected absence on Monday, October 19, 2026, after medical scans revealed the extent of the injury sustained during Saturday’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town. Blueprint reports
Semenyo is expected to return around December, meaning he will miss several matches, including Manchester City’s highly anticipated UEFA Champions League meeting with Barcelona.
The injury comes at a crucial stage of the campaign, with City seeking to maintain their strong start in the Premier League while improving their position in Europe.
Maresca provides injury update
Semenyo picked up the injury after coming on as a substitute in the closing stages of the encounter against Ipswich at the Etihad Stadium.
The 26-year-old entered the game in the 77th minute but was later seen struggling with the problem before making his way towards the tunnel.
Speaking ahead of City’s Champions League fixture against AEK Athens, Maresca said the initial concern had been that the injury could be more serious.
“After yesterday’s scan, we feel much better because it’s not as big as we expected,” the manager said.
“It could be eight weeks. Now, in this moment, the most important thing for him is his recovery. When he is back around December, it will be like a new player in terms of energy.”
The coach added that the injury was not muscular, offering some relief after the initial fears surrounding the forward’s condition.
Why Semenyo’s absence matters
Semenyo’s pace, direct running and ability to attack defenders have made him an important option in City’s forward line.
His versatility also gives the team additional tactical flexibility, allowing him to operate from wide attacking positions or provide cover through the middle when required.
His absence will therefore leave Maresca with fewer options as City navigate a congested fixture schedule.
The Ghanaian had recorded two goals and three assists in the Premier League this season before the injury, contributing to City’s attacking play during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Although City possess other attacking options, replacing Semenyo’s combination of speed, physical strength and ability to carry the ball forward could prove challenging, particularly against opponents who press aggressively or defend in compact formations.
Barcelona clash among key matches affected
One of the notable fixtures Semenyo is expected to miss is City’s Champions League encounter with Barcelona.
The meeting is among the high-profile European matches on the club’s schedule, with both sides expected to compete intensely for control of possession and opportunities in the attacking third.
Semenyo’s absence could reduce City’s options for stretching Barcelona’s defence through quick transitions and one-on-one attacking situations.
However, the extent of the impact will depend on the players available to Maresca, his tactical approach and how effectively the remaining forwards exploit spaces behind the opposition defence.
City will also have to negotiate other domestic and European fixtures during the expected recovery period, increasing the importance of squad rotation and injury management.
Haaland fitness also monitored
City are also monitoring the condition of striker Erling Haaland, who sustained a knock to his foot and ankle during the Ipswich encounter.
The Norwegian scored twice in the 3-2 victory but was seen limping after the match, raising questions about his availability for the Champions League meeting with AEK Athens.
Maresca remained hopeful that Haaland could feature, saying the striker had shown improvement during recovery and that a final decision would depend on his condition following training.
The manager acknowledged the difficulty of replacing Haaland but said the club had alternative options available if necessary.
With Semenyo facing an extended spell out, Haaland’s fitness could become particularly important to City’s attacking plans in the coming weeks.
For now, the priority for Semenyo is recovery, with City hoping the Ghanaian can return around December and contribute again during the second phase of the season.
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