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Haaland Injury Scare: City Faces Striker Crisis
19 Oct
Summary
- Haaland faces a late fitness test for Champions League clash.
- Semenyo sidelined for eight weeks with a foot injury.
- Foden, Ndiaye, or Doku could deputize for Haaland.
Manchester City's manager, Enzo Maresca, is facing significant selection challenges following a chaotic 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town. Erling Haaland requires a late fitness test for the upcoming Champions League match against AEK Athens due to a foot injury. His availability remains uncertain, with Maresca expressing cautious optimism but acknowledging doubts.
Compounding the issue, winger Antoine Semenyo has been ruled out for eight weeks after sustaining an injury late in the Ipswich game. This lengthy absence means Semenyo will effectively be a 'new player' upon his return in December. The club had considered Semenyo as a potential backup for Haaland, making his sidelined status a considerable complication.
Maresca must now explore unconventional solutions to lead City's line if Haaland is absent. Phil Foden, who has previously played centrally, is a primary option. Wingers Iliman Ndiaye and Jérémy Doku, or attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, are also potential candidates to play as a false nine, though one will be needed to cover Semenyo's usual left-wing position.
