Maresca gives Haaland injury update and confirms two-month Semenyo layoff

Manchester City are breathing cautiously. Enzo Maresca has delivered an encouraging medical report on Erling Haaland, who picked up a knock in the closing stages of Saturday's win over Ipswich Town, and confirmed that forward Antoine Semenyo is set to be sidelined for around two months. The double update shapes the build-up to the team's Champions League clash with AEK Athens on Tuesday.

• Haaland finished the Ipswich match with discomfort after a challenge with Jack Clarke, but Maresca has not ruled him out of the AEK Athens game.
• Antoine Semenyo is dealing with a lower-leg problem and will be out for approximately two months.
• Maresca admits replacing Haaland is difficult, but sees Phil Foden as one of several options in attack.
• The rest of the squad is in good physical shape heading into the European fixture.

Is Erling Haaland fit to face AEK Athens in the Champions League?

The Norwegian striker's availability for the European tie remains uncertain. Haaland took a blow in a challenge with Jack Clarke during injury time of the Premier League match, just after striking the ball in an action where the Ipswich substitute appeared to arrive late. Maresca had already said after the final whistle that he hoped the issue was not serious, and he maintained that cautious but positive tone in his pre-match press conference.

He can be available, we will see. We have a session now. We have some doubts after Sunday's game, but he was quite good yesterday, better. So we will see today.

With twelve goals in twelve matches this season, Haaland is central to City's attacking plan. The manager admitted that replacing a player of his quality is never easy, though he added that the game plan will shape the final decision and there is a genuine chance the striker could be ready.

Phil Foden as a possible solution up front for Manchester City

One of the main questions put to Maresca was whether Phil Foden could lead the line. The England international has just ended a 35-game scoring drought with his goal against Ipswich and knows the position well from previous spells with the club. Maresca confirmed that Foden is a valid option, but not the only one, and stressed that Haaland remains the team's number nine whenever he is fit.

Semenyo's injury: eight weeks out after an initial scare

The worst news of the week comes from the camp with confirmation of Semenyo's absence. The Ghanaian winger finished the Ipswich match visibly struggling with a leg problem, and subsequent tests confirmed an injury that will keep him out until approximately December. Maresca admitted that early assessments had raised fears of a more serious issue, so the final scan results brought some relief.

In the first moment we expected a worse injury, so we were more worried. After yesterday's scan we feel much better, because it is not so big like we expected.

The manager explained that the problem is a collateral issue in the lower leg and not a muscle injury. The priority now is his recovery, with the aim of having him back with renewed energy for the crucial stretch of the season.

How Manchester City are preparing for the Champions League match

The meeting with AEK Athens arrives at a demanding point in the calendar, with City's attacking ranks hit by injuries. Maresca confirmed that the rest of the squad is in acceptable condition to compete. On the prospect of losing two attacking players at the same time, the Italian was direct: losing any player is never good, but the team has the resources to adapt and find fresh solutions depending on what the match requires.

Frequently asked questions about Haaland and Semenyo's injuries