Antoine Semenyo faces eight-week layoff in Man City injury blow

The Ghana international was injured during City's 3-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. He came off the bench in the 77th minute but was later seen limping.

Maresca provided a more positive update ahead of Tuesday's Champions League fixture against AEK Athens, explaining that medical scans had eased initial fears about the severity of the injury.

"In the first moment we expected the worst injury and we were more worried. After yesterday's scan we feel much better because it's not so big like we expected," Maresca said.

"He could be out for eight weeks, and in this moment the most important thing for him is recovery. When he is back around December, he will feel like a new player in terms of energy."

Semenyo has made an encouraging start to the season, recording two goals and three assists in the Premier League. His absence is a significant setback for City as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.

Maresca had also considered using the 26-year-old as a central striker while Erling Haaland was unavailable, making the injury particularly frustrating for the City boss.

"To lose Antoine is not good. We said we could use him as a nine in the absence of Haaland but now we have to try and find new solutions," he added.

City must now explore alternative attacking options while Semenyo focuses on his recovery. His expected absence could rule him out of November's Premier League meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and December's Champions League trip to Barcelona.