Antoine Semenyo sidelined for eight weeks with knee injury, set to miss Somalia games

Ghanaian footballer Antoine Semenyo will be sidelined for eight weeks due to a knee injury, significantly impacting both Manchester City and the Black Stars. The 26-year-old suffered the injury during Manchester City's 3-2 Premier League win over Ipswich Town, coming on as a substitute in the final stages at the Etihad Stadium. Semenyo appeared to limp off the pitch, raising concerns about the severity of the issue.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the extent of the injury after a scan revealed it was less serious than first feared. "In the first moment we expected a worse injury," Maresca stated at a pre-match press conference. "After yesterday's scan, we feel much better because it's not as big as we expected. It will be eight weeks."

Semenyo's prolonged absence poses a substantial challenge for Manchester City as they manage their domestic and European commitments, with the Ghanaian expected to return in December. Moreover, the injury will keep him out of Ghana's upcoming back-to-back matches against Somalia in November's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars, already struggling after losing their first two games to Ivory Coast and The Gambia, now face an even tougher challenge without Semenyo's attacking prowess.