Haaland Foot Doubt as Semenyo Faces Eight Weeks Out

Haaland Foot Blow Leaves City Sweating

Manchester City are facing a striking crisis ahead of Tuesday's Champions League meeting with AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium, with Erling Haaland now a doubt after suffering a blow to the foot in Saturday's 3-2 win over Ipswich Town.

Haaland scored twice in that victory to take his Premier League tally to eight goals for the season, once again leading the top-flight scoring charts. But the Norwegian's involvement in midweek is now uncertain, according to reports, as City look to bounce back from last week's 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in Europe.

Manager Enzo Maresca addressed the situation, saying: "To replace Erling is always difficult but we have some different options. It also depends on the gameplan. At the moment it is Erling. Why do we need to think of a different nine if Erling is there? If something happened or we need a different nine plan, we'll see."

Semenyo Ruled Out for Eight Weeks

Should Haaland fail to recover in time, Maresca's attacking options would be severely limited by the news that Antoine Semenyo has been ruled out for eight weeks with a left knee injury sustained in the same win over Ipswich.

The absence of Semenyo leaves City short on cover for Haaland, and Maresca may be forced to consider alternative solutions. One possibility mentioned in reports is a false nine role, with Phil Foden a candidate to fill in should Haaland not be available.

Haaland's importance to City's early-season form cannot be overstated. He has scored in six consecutive top-flight games, helping the club to the top of the table with a flawless start. His potential absence for a crucial European fixture is a significant concern for a side still smarting from their heavy defeat in Paris.

City's medical staff will assess Haaland's foot injury in the coming hours, with a decision expected before Tuesday's game. The club will be desperate to have their talisman available as they seek to get their Champions League campaign back on track.

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Napoli's Alisson Santos Suffers Hamstring Setback

In Italy, Napoli have confirmed that Alisson Santos suffered a medium-grade hamstring injury at the end of Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Venezia — the Brazilian's first game back after recovering from the exact same issue.

The 24-year-old attacker reported for medical tests on Monday after picking up the injury towards the end of the shock defeat to Venezia, who had not picked up a single point in Serie A before the weekend. The club confirmed the diagnosis in a statement on their website.

Alisson initially suffered the hamstring injury during a 1-0 Champions League defeat against Arsenal in September. He missed four matches across all competitions as a result, with the lay-off lasting over a month due to an extended international break.

Given that the next international break begins on November 9, it seems unlikely that the Brazilian will feature before the next round of Nations League matches. It is a bitter blow for the player and for Napoli, who are already navigating a difficult period.

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Zoma Sidelined Until Winter Break After Shoulder Surgery

Mohamed Ali Zoma will not be available for Roberto Mancini's next Italy squad in November after 1. FC Nürnberg confirmed he requires surgery on a dislocated shoulder that will keep him out until the Bundesliga's winter break.

Zoma was a surprise inclusion in Mancini's Italy squad last month and earned his first cap off the bench in a 2-0 Nations League defeat against Belgium. He has been in fine form at club level, providing seven goals from his first eight 2. Bundesliga appearances this season, having netted 14 and provided five assists from 29 appearances in the German second tier in 2025-26.

Unfortunately for the 22-year-old, he was stretchered off in Nürnberg's most recent league fixture against Energie Cottbus with what appeared to be a dislocated shoulder. The club has confirmed that Zoma did dislocate his shoulder and will require surgery, ruling him out until at least the winter break, scheduled from December 20 to January 15, 2027.

It is a significant setback for both player and club, with Zoma's goalscoring form having been a key factor in Nürnberg's campaign. His absence will be felt as they look to maintain their push in the 2. Bundesliga.

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