Erling Haaland injured? Could Phil Foden replace City striker against AEK Athens
Haaland’s fitness remains uncertain
Manchester City may be without Erling Haaland for Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with AEK Athens after he suffered a blow to the foot. City are seeking a response following a 4-2 loss to Paris St-Germain last week.
Maresca said Haaland could be available and would be assessed after Monday’s training session. He added that the striker had been “quite good” on Sunday. Haaland has scored eight league goals this season and found the net in six consecutive top-flight matches.
Foden and Cherki among options
Maresca identified midfielder Phil Foden as one possible alternative in a different striker plan. Foden scored against Saturday, ending a run without a goal since December; the report does not identify the opponent.
Last season, Pep Guardiola said Rayan Cherki suited the false nine role “perfectly”. Cherki scored in a 2-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Brentford while playing there.
Semenyo also reported out
The report says Antoine Semenyo is out, and notes that he has scored two goals and provided three assists for City this season. It does not clearly explain the circumstances of his absence.
A separate passage describes a collateral knee injury and says a scan brought relief after an initially greater concern. That passage also mentions a Ghana international with 10 appearances, two goals and three assists, but does not clearly connect those details to a named player.
Key points
- Haaland’s foot injury makes him a doubt for Tuesday’s match against AEK Athens.
- City will assess Haaland after Monday’s training session.
- Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki are mentioned as potential alternatives.
- The report says Semenyo is out, but its injury details are unclear.