Man City suffer Antoine Semenyo injury blow as Enzo Maresca confirms eight-week absence

Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo could be sidelined for up to eight weeks after suffering a knee injury during Saturday's 3-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town.

City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the setback following medical assessments, although the club are relieved that the damage is less serious than initially feared.

The Ghana international is now expected to miss several important domestic and European fixtures, with a potential return in December.

Semenyo sustained the injury after coming off the bench during the closing stages of City's narrow victory at the Etihad Stadium.

The winger appeared uncomfortable following the incident and was seen limping towards the tunnel after the final whistle.

Initial concerns centred on the possibility of significant ligament damage, but subsequent scans provided a more encouraging diagnosis.

Speaking about the injury, Maresca explained that City had feared a considerably longer absence.

"After the scan we feel much better because it's not as bad as we expected," the manager said, as quoted by ESPN.

"It could be eight weeks, so now the most important thing is for him to recover."

Although surgery has not been mentioned, the estimated recovery period means Semenyo faces an extended spell away from first-team action.

Semenyo's absence leaves Maresca with one fewer attacking option as City prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.

The Ghanaian has featured regularly this season, offering pace and direct running from wide positions.

His injury also followed a tense conclusion to the Ipswich encounter, during which Erling Haaland appeared to suffer a knock to his foot.

However, Haaland's problem is understood to be minor, providing City with some reassurance ahead of their next match.

Maresca must now consider alternative options on the flanks while ensuring Semenyo receives sufficient time to recover.

The winger will miss Tuesday's Champions League fixture against AEK Athens, with his availability for December dependent on rehabilitation progress.

Manchester City host AEK Athens in the Champions League on Tuesday without Semenyo.

The club's medical staff will monitor his rehabilitation over the coming weeks, while Maresca adjusts his attacking options to maintain City's momentum.