Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has provided a definitive update on the fitness of forward Antoine Semenyo, confirming that the Ghana international is facing an extended spell on the sidelines following a knee injury sustained earlier this month.
Semenyo picked up the injury as a late substitute during Manchester City’s hard-fought 3-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium. While initial fears within the City camp pointed toward a catastrophic season-ending layout, subsequent medical assessments have offered a silver lining for the reigning champions.
The Medical Diagnosis: Better Than Feared
Speaking to reporters about the extent of the damage, Maresca revealed that the diagnosis brought relief to the medical staff after deep initial anxiety.
Maresca expressed relief that scans showed a less severe issue than initially feared, estimating an eight-week recovery period. The non-muscular knee injury does not require surgery, focusing instead on rehabilitation.
Estimated Return Date
Semenyo is targeted for a return in early to mid-December 2026, with Maresca noting his return will provide a boost ahead of the festive schedule.
Which Matches Will Semenyo Miss?
The two-month layoff rules him out of key domestic and European fixtures through November, including matches against Brighton, RB Leipzig, Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Napoli, and Arsenal. He could potentially return for fixtures in mid-December, such as the match against Chelsea.
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