Enzo Maresca has shared an encouraging update regarding Erling Haaland’s fitness while confirming that Antoine Semenyo will be sidelined for two months.

Haaland sustained an injury during a challenge with Jack Clarke in Saturday’s match against Ipswich, where he scored a brace. Following the game, Maresca expressed hope that Haaland’s injury wasn’t serious, stating he would be assessed before the upcoming Champions League clash with AEK Athens.

• Maresca's comments:
  • “He can be available, we will see...”
  • “To replace Erling is always difficult but we have some different options.”

Haaland has been in stunning form this season, netting 12 goals in 12 games, creating pressure for Maresca to find a suitable replacement if necessary. Phil Foden, who ended a 35-game goal drought against Ipswich, emerged as a potential option, though Maresca acknowledged he wasn’t the only solution.

Meanwhile, Semenyo’s leg injury has been diagnosed as a collateral injury, ruling him out for approximately eight weeks. Initially feared to be more severe, Maresca expressed relief after receiving the scan results, emphasizing the importance of Semenyo’s recovery.

• Maresca noted:
  • “It could be eight weeks... when he is back, we will have a new player in terms of energy.”

Overall, Maresca confirmed that the rest of the squad is in good shape, though losing any player, including Semenyo, poses challenges. He reiterated the need to adapt depending on Haaland’s situation, stating, “At the moment it is Erling, why do we need to think about a different nine when Erling is there?”