Semedo's absence
English manager Enzo Maresca announced that Ghanaian striker Antoine Semedo will be sidelined for eight weeks due to a leg injury sustained on Saturday, ahead of the Champions League match against Greek side AEK Athens.
Maresca said at a press conference: "Initially, we feared a more serious injury, but after the scans on Sunday, we felt relieved. The absence will last eight weeks, so when he returns in December, he will be like a new signing in terms of the energy he brings to the team."
Injury details
The 26-year-old Ghanaian international wing-back suffered the injury during the 3-2 league victory over Ipswich on Saturday. Maresca confirmed the injury is not muscular.
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland also caused concern after being seen limping at the end of the match, but Maresca appeared reassured, stating: "There is a chance he will be available to play against the Greek team."
Preparations for the next match
The Italian manager ruled out making extensive changes to the starting lineup against an opponent considered relatively weaker, less than a week after the 4-2 defeat to French champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium.
He added: "It is a big match for us on Tuesday, a Champions League game. Unfortunately, we lost the last match, so we must win. We will try to win using the best players currently available."
The Premier League leaders won their first match in the new unified group stage of the competition against Portuguese side Porto 2-0, before falling to Saint-Germain in front of their home fans.
Source: Arriyadiyah newspaper
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