Manchester City are assessing the fitness of four key players following their 3-2 home win over Ipswich Town, a result that kept them top of the Premier League under Enzo Maresca. The victory extended the Italian's perfect start at the Etihad Stadium, but concerns over several stars have tempered the celebrations.
Haaland Limps Off After Brace
Erling Haaland was seen limping at the Etihad on Saturday after scoring twice, with a VAR decision denying him a hat-trick. The Norwegian striker appeared in discomfort at full-time, prompting worries among fans.
Maresca downplayed the concern, telling reporters: “Erling said he was also OK.” It remains unclear whether Haaland will be rested for the Champions League match against AEK Athens in midweek.
Semenyo and Kovacic Concerns
Antoine Semenyo was also in pain after the Ipswich match. The Ghana international had withdrawn from his country's squad due to leg swelling but returned to face Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Ipswich, where he came on as a second-half substitute for Jeremy Doku. Maresca noted: “The only one we need to wait on was Antoine, and we will see.”
Mateo Kovacic, starting in midfield alongside Ayyoub Bouaddi, took a knock and was replaced on 50 minutes by Enzo Fernandez. The former Chelsea player's issue appears minor, with Maresca stating: “Mateo said he was OK.”
O'Reilly's Back Problem Recurs
Nico O'Reilly was substituted on the hour mark, with Josko Gvardiol coming on. Maresca revealed the England international had a flare-up of the back problem that forced him out of the warm-up against Coventry previously. “Nico, it's still his back,” the City boss said. “If you remember, against Coventry in the warm-up, it's the same problem.”
Potential return dates are October 20 for Haaland and Kovacic against AEK Athens at home, and October 24 for Semenyo and O'Reilly away to Aston Villa.
