Haaland doubt leaves Man City weighing striker options against AEK Athens

Manchester City could be without Erling Haaland for Tuesday’s Champions League match against AEK Athens, with Antoine Semenyo already ruled out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury. The absences leave manager Enzo Maresca weighing alternatives to his first-choice striker. [1]

Haaland hurt his foot during Saturday’s 3-2 win over Ipswich Town. Maresca said the striker “can be available” and would be assessed after training on Monday, but Haaland was not seen at the session open to the media.

“To replace Erling is always difficult but we have some different options,” Maresca said. He added that Phil Foden could play up front, having filled the role before, though “at the moment the number nine is Erling”.

City have no natural back-up striker after Divin Mubama joined Southampton on loan in the summer. Maresca had also identified Semenyo as an option in that position, but the Ghana international is expected to miss about eight weeks after injuring his left knee against Ipswich.

Maresca said an initial assessment had raised fears of a more serious injury, but a scan on Sunday brought some relief. He said Semenyo could return around December. The forward has made 10 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice and assisting three goals.

Other possible choices include Iliman Ndiaye, who played as a striker for Sheffield United during their 2022-23 promotion campaign, and Rayan Cherki, whom Pep Guardiola previously said was well suited to the false-nine role. Cherki scored from that position in a League Cup win over Brentford last season.

Jeremy Doku, who started on the left against Ipswich, is expected to continue there while Semenyo is unavailable. City go into the AEK match seeking a response after losing 4-2 to Paris St-Germain last week. [1]