England's Manchester City has lost the services of its Ghanaian striker Antoine Semenyo, who will "likely" be sidelined for "about eight weeks" due to a leg injury sustained last Saturday, according to his Italian coach Enzo Maresca on the eve of the Champions League match against Greece's AEK Athens.
Maresca said in a press conference, "Initially, we expected a more serious injury. After the tests conducted yesterday, we felt relieved. The absence will be eight weeks, so when he returns around December, it will be like a new signing in terms of the energy (he will give the team)."
The 26-year-old Ghanaian international winger injured his leg during the 3-2 victory over Ipswich on Saturday in the league.
His coach clarified that the injury is "not muscular."
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland also raised concerns after being seen limping at the end of the match, but Maresca seemed reassured, saying, "There is a possibility he will be available" to participate against the Greek team.
The Italian coach ruled out resorting to extensive rotation in the starting lineup against an opponent viewed as relatively weaker, less than a week after the 2-4 loss to French champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium.
He said, "It is a big match for us tomorrow (today), a Champions League match. Unfortunately, we lost the last match, so we have to win. We will try to win by relying on the best players currently available."
The Premier League leaders won their first match in the competition's unified group stage against Portugal's Porto 2-0, before falling at home to Saint-Germain.
