Manchester City have been handed a major injury concern ahead of their UEFA Champions League encounter against AEK Athens, with star striker Erling Haaland doubtful for Tuesday’s match at the Etihad Stadium.
The Norway international sustained a foot injury during City’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday, despite scoring twice to take his Premier League tally to eight goals for the season.
Haaland’s latest brace strengthened his position among the league’s leading goalscorers, but his fitness is now a concern as City prepare for a crucial European fixture.
The Premier League champions will be desperate to return to winning ways in the Champions League after suffering a 4-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain last week.
Maresca faces attacking selection dilemma
City manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged the difficulty of replacing Haaland, whose goalscoring record and presence in attack make him a central figure in the team’s plans.
“To replace Erling is always difficult, but we have some different options,” Maresca said.
“It also depends on the game plan.”
The City boss indicated that Haaland remained his first-choice striker while available, adding that any alternative would depend on the circumstances.
“At the moment, it is Erling. Why do we need to think of a different nine if Erling is there? If something happened or we need a different nine plan, we’ll see,” he added.
Maresca’s comments suggest that City will monitor the striker’s recovery before making a final decision on his availability for Tuesday’s encounter.
Semenyo absence compounds City’s problems
Haaland’s injury concern is compounded by the absence of Antoine Semenyo, who has been ruled out for eight weeks after sustaining a left knee injury in the victory over Ipswich.
Semenyo’s absence leaves City with fewer attacking options should Haaland fail to recover in time for the Champions League fixture.
The potential loss of two important attacking players would force Maresca to reconsider his options up front as City seek to maintain their threat in the final third.
With the Norwegian striker’s fitness still uncertain, City will be hoping Haaland can recover quickly enough to feature against AEK Athens.
His availability could prove crucial as the club look to respond to their European defeat and strengthen their position in the Champions League campaign.
