Manchester City could be forced to play without top striker Erling Haaland in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium. The 26-year-old Norwegian forward sustained a knock to his foot during Saturday’s 3-2 victory against Ipswich Town. City are aiming to recover in European competition following last week’s 4-2 loss against Paris St-Germain. Leading the top-flight scoring charts once more, the Norway international scored twice in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town to take his tally to eight Premier League goals for the season. Why do we need to think of a different nine if Erling is there. As City look to get back to winning ways in the competition after last week’s 4-2 defeat by Paris S, but the 26-year-old suffered a blow to the foot in the game and is now a doubt for the European night at Etihad Stadium. We’ll see, if something happened or we need a different nine plan.
Haaland’s two goals against Ipswich brought his tally to eight Premier League goals this season, placing him at the top of the league’s scoring charts. However, his potential absence presents a major tactical challenge for manager Enzo Maresca, particularly as forward Antoine Semenyo has also been sidelined for eight weeks due to a left knee injury sustained during the same domestic match.
Addressing the selection predicament, Maresca acknowledged that replacing the striker is always a difficult task, noting that alternative choices would depend on the tactical gameplan. The manager emphasized that Haaland remains the primary option when fit, adding that the coaching staff will assess alternative plans for a focal striker only if required by circumstance.
