Semenio may be out for 8 weeks due to a knee injury.

The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League will see a key match in the third round, with Manchester City hosting AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium. Manager Maresca has stated that Semenho suffered a knee injury in a previous match and is expected to be out for eight weeks.

In the earlier Premier League match, Manchester City defeated newly promoted Ipswich Town 3-2 thanks to a goal from Foden and two from Haaland. Despite achieving a seven-game winning streak, Manchester City winger Semenho was injured, and Norwegian star Haaland also suffered a collision during the match.

Manchester City manager Maresca said, "The other players are generally in good condition, the only one expected to be out for about eight weeks is Semenho. At first, we thought his injury would be more serious, so it was more worrying at the time."

"But after the scan results came back, we were much relieved because the injury wasn't as serious as we had thought. He may need to rest for eight weeks, and right now the most important thing for him is to recover well. When he returns around December, he will be like a completely new player, full of energy again."

Regarding Haaland's situation, Maresca said, "Haaland might play, we'll have to see. We'll have another training session, and there are still some things to check after the last game. He was in pretty good shape yesterday, much better than before. So, we'll see."

"Replacing Haaland is always difficult. We have several different options, and we will decide again tomorrow. It depends to some extent on our game plan, and he does have a chance to play tomorrow."

Maresca also stated, "Whether it's Semenho or any other player who is injured and unavailable, it's not good for us. As for replacing Haaland, we've previously said that Semenho could play as a center forward, but we have other players we can try and will work hard to find new solutions."

"Right now, Haaland is our center forward. Since he's in the squad, why should we consider other options? If something unexpected happens, or if we need to use different tactics and arrange another center forward, then we'll make a decision then."

In addition, in the second round of the Champions League, Manchester City, after falling behind, ultimately lost 2-4 to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain thanks to Haaland's brace.

Speaking of former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, with whom he once worked, Maresca said, "Guardiola managed here for 10 years and achieved so much; he deserves respect. Ten years is a long time, and the club won so many titles during that period."

“After the new head coach arrives, he must start to implement his own philosophy. Whether with or without the ball, he needs to clearly express how he wants the team to play. I met him after the game against Paris Saint-Germain, but we only talked for a short time.”

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