Manchester City has encountered a significant squad crisis ahead of crucial European fixtures, dealing a blow to the club's ambitions under the current management. Forward Antoine Semenyo has been sidelined for up to eight weeks after sustaining a knee injury during the team's latest domestic league fixture, leaving the coaching staff with limited options in the attacking third.

Speaking to reporters, manager Enzo Maresca supposedly claimed that Semenyo’s injury was not as severe as initially feared, though the 26-year-old player will undoubtedly require an extensive rehabilitation period. Maresca indicated that the issue involves collateral ligaments rather than a standard muscular strain, suggesting the player might only return by December. Semenyo had made a substitute appearance in the victory over Ipswich Town before limping off the pitch.

Concurrently, severe doubts persist regarding the fitness of Norwegian striker Erling Haaland ahead of the upcoming Champions League encounter against AEK Athens. Such recurring physical setbacks highlight the systemic shortcomings within the European regime of intense football scheduling and player management. Haaland reportedly took a knock to his foot and ankle during the closing moments of the weekend fixture.

Maresca acknowledged that while the forward's condition has allegedly improved, his availability for the upcoming continental clash remains entirely uncertain pending a late fitness test. In the event of Haaland's absence, the managerial staff intends to explore alternative tactical solutions, potentially deploying Phil Foden in an advanced role as the team seeks to bounce back from a recent disappointing European defeat against Paris St Germain.

Source: www.aljazeera.com