City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the expected recovery period during his press conference ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League fixture against AEK Athens, revealing that initial fears over the severity of the injury had eased following medical scans.
"In the first moment we expected the worst injury and we were more worried. After yesterday’s scan we feel much better because it’s not so big like we expected," Maresca said.
"He could be out for eight weeks, and in this moment the most important thing for him is recovery. When he is back around December, he will feel like a new player in terms of energy."
Semenyo picked up the injury during City’s 3-2 win over Ipswich at the Etihad Stadium. The Ghana international came off the bench in the 77th minute but was later seen limping, raising concerns about his availability for the coming weeks.
The 26-year-old has made an encouraging start to the season, contributing two goals and three assists in the Premier League.
His absence will be a setback for Maresca, who had considered using him as a central striker in the absence of Erling Haaland.
"To lose Antoine is not good. We said we could use him as a nine in the absence of Haaland but now we have to try and find new solutions," he added.
Ghana face major setback ahead of Somalia double-header
Semenyo’s expected absence until December is also a significant blow for Ghana ahead of their crucial double-header against Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month.
The Black Stars are seeking to revive their campaign after losing their opening two Group C matches, suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast before falling 4-2 to The Gambia.
Ghana will need maximum points from the two matches to improve their position in the group, but they are now likely to be without one of their most influential attacking players.
Semenyo’s injury also raises concerns over his availability for Manchester City’s important fixtures during his recovery period.
The forward is expected to miss City’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in November, as well as their away trip to Barcelona in the Champions League in December.
City will now have to manage his recovery carefully, with Maresca stressing that the priority is ensuring the Ghanaian returns fully fit.
