Manchester City suffer huge injury blow ahead of Arsenal clash

Manchester City will be without Antoine Semenyo for around eight weeks after the forward suffered a knee injury, handing Arsenal a potential advantage ahead of their Premier League meeting.

According to a report by Metro on Monday, 19 October 2026, City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Semenyo sustained the injury during the club’s match against Ipswich Town and is expected to return around December.

The Ghanaian international’s absence represents a setback for City, with the winger ruled out of several upcoming fixtures, including the crucial encounter against Arsenal.

Maresca revealed that the initial assessment had raised concerns about the severity of the injury, but subsequent scans provided a more encouraging outlook.

“The rest are more or less all okay, the only one that will be out for probably eight weeks is Antoine,” Maresca said.

“In the first moment we expected an even worse injury, we were more worried, but after yesterday’s scan we feel much better.

“It will be eight weeks, so in this moment the most important thing for him is recovery and when he is back, probably around December, we have a new player in terms of energy. To lose Antoine, or any player, for us is not good.”

Semenyo has been an important attacking option for City this season, offering versatility across the forward line. His absence will require Maresca to consider alternative options as the club prepares for a demanding run of fixtures.

Meanwhile, City are also monitoring the fitness of Erling Haaland after the striker limped off following the victory over Ipswich Town.

Maresca indicated that a decision on Haaland’s availability would depend on his condition ahead of the next match, with the striker showing signs of improvement.

“He can be available, we’ll see, we have a session now. We have some doubts after the game. We’ll see, he was quite good yesterday, better, but we’ll see today,” the City manager said.

The uncertainty surrounding Haaland adds another concern for City, although Maresca has other attacking options available, including Phil Foden, who could operate in a central role if required.