Injured in the knee against Ipswich, Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo will miss around eight weeks for Manchester City. Manager Enzo Maresca has ruled out a ligament rupture and hopes for a return around mid-December.
Ghanaian international winger Antoine Semenyo is suffering from a knee injury sustained late in the 3-2 win against Ipswich Town in the Premier League, Manchester City have confirmed.
In-depth medical examinations carried out earlier this week ruled out a more serious ligament rupture that had initially been feared, according to the club. Enzo Maresca confirmed at a press conference an estimated absence of around eight weeks, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Maresca relieved by the scans
The Skyblues manager did not hide his relief in front of the media. “The only one who will be absent for probably eight weeks is Antoine. At first, we feared an even more serious injury, so we were more worried. After yesterday’s scan, we feel much better because it’s not as serious as we thought,” said Enzo Maresca, quoted by the club.
The player himself should therefore return to the pitch around mid-December. “When he comes back around December, it will be like a new player in terms of energy,” he added. His absence deprives City of a versatile piece in their attack.
A key piece in the rotations
Semenyo, regularly used on the right wing as well as through the middle, was there to cover for or rest striker Erling Haaland, according to the Manchester Evening News. His ability to play in several positions gave Maresca an additional option in managing the squad.
This blow forces the Manchester attack to reorganise its rotations on the wings before the next European and domestic fixtures, according to the Manchester Evening News. Yet City had started their Premier League campaign with a flawless run of seven consecutive wins.
In Ghana, his recovery is also being followed very closely, with the next international fixtures approaching, according to Afrik-Foot.
Aston Villa, first test without him
Manchester City are now preparing without their Ghanaian winger for the trip to Aston Villa, scheduled for Saturday 24 October 2026 in the Premier League, the Manchester Evening News indicates. That fixture will give a first glimpse of the solutions Maresca has chosen to compensate for Semenyo’s absence on the flanks.
Semenyo’s return to the first team is hoped for around mid-December 2026.