Manchester City’s flawless start to the season faces its most significant hurdle yet as the club grapples with a potential injury crisis at the spearhead of their attack. Despite a commanding position at the summit of the Premier League table, the availability of Erling Haaland for the upcoming fixture against AEK remains shrouded in uncertainty. The Norwegian international, whose prolific form has been the engine behind City’s seven-match winning streak, was a notable absentee from Monday’s training session, leaving manager Enzo Maresca to weigh a series of tactical alternatives in a squad suddenly depleted of natural striking options.
The stakes could hardly be higher for a City side that has looked untouchable in the opening weeks of the campaign. Haaland has been the protagonist of this early-season dominance, finding the net in six consecutive top-flight matches. This remarkable consistency has not only propelled the team to the top of the standings but has also seen the forward rewrite the record books once again. During the recent victory over Ipswich Town, Haaland reached the milestone of 100 non-penalty goals in the Premier League. Achieving this feat in fewer appearances than any other player in the history of the competition, he has further cemented his status as a generational talent whose presence dictates the tactical approach of both his teammates and his opponents.
However, the aura of invincibility surrounding Haaland has been flickered by concerns over his physical condition. Speaking ahead of the midweek European encounter, Maresca offered a cautious update, suggesting that while Haaland "can be available" for the match against AEK, a final decision would only be reached following a medical assessment. The tension escalated when the media, gathered for the open portion of Monday’s training session, noted the striker’s absence from the grass. While City’s medical staff often manage the workloads of high-intensity players with individual recovery programs, the timing of his absence—coupled with the looming fixture—has sparked intense speculation regarding the depth of City’s offensive reserves.
The current predicament highlights a broader structural challenge within the Manchester City squad. For several seasons, the club has navigated the difficulty of recruiting and retaining high-caliber forwards willing to serve as understudies to a player of Haaland’s stature. The sheer volume of minutes Haaland demands, combined with his near-constant goal-scoring output, makes it a daunting task for any secondary striker to find regular rhythm. This was a reality faced by Julian Alvarez and Omar Marmoush, both of whom eventually sought opportunities elsewhere to secure the starting roles their talents merited.
The sense of vulnerability was compounded during the summer transfer window when the club sanctioned the departure of Divin Mubama. The decision to allow the promising young forward to join Championship side Southampton on a loan deal was viewed as a surprise by many observers, as it effectively left the senior squad without a natural, recognized replacement for Haaland. While the move was intended to facilitate Mubama’s development through regular first-team football, it has left Maresca with a tactical puzzle to solve in the event of a long-term or even short-term absence for his primary number nine.
The contingency plans originally envisioned by the coaching staff have also been disrupted by external factors. Maresca had previously identified Antoine Semenyo as a versatile asset capable of transitioning into a central role. The Ghanaian international’s physical profile and directness led the manager to suggest he could be utilized "as a nine" to provide a different dimension to the attack. However, that strategic pivot is no longer an option for the foreseeable future. Semenyo is currently facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with medical reports suggesting he could miss up to 13 matches. His absence robs City of a physical presence in the final third and narrows the field of potential solutions for the AEK fixture and the busy domestic schedule that follows.
In the search for a viable alternative, Maresca has pointed toward the creative heart of his midfield. Phil Foden, who has endured a frustrating period of individual form, may be the man called upon to lead the line. Foden finally ended a prolonged barren run in front of goal on Saturday, scoring his first Premier League goal since December. The relief was palpable for the England international, whose technical brilliance has often been used in wide areas or as a traditional playmaker.
"Phil can be one of the solutions," Maresca noted during his pre-match press conference. "He played already in the past in that position so could play again, but at the moment the number nine is Erling." The prospect of Foden operating as a "false nine" is a familiar one for the City faithful. His ability to drop deep, link play, and arrive late in the box offers a stark contrast to Haaland’s traditional "fox-in-the-box" style, potentially forcing a total recalibration of City’s attacking patterns.
Another intriguing option at Maresca’s disposal is summer signing Iliman Ndiaye. The Senegal international arrived with a reputation for versatility and a high footballing IQ, traits that were on full display during Sheffield United’s successful promotion-winning campaign in 2022-23. During that season, Ndiaye was frequently deployed as a striker, contributing 14 goals to help the Blades secure their return to the Premier League. His experience playing with his back to goal and his comfort in tight spaces make him a candidate for a central role, should Maresca decide that Foden is better utilized in the half-spaces of the midfield.
The tactical lineage of Manchester City also points toward the potential inclusion of Rayan Cherki. The young Frenchman has been a subject of praise within the club’s hierarchy for some time. Last season, former manager Pep Guardiola spoke glowingly of Cherki’s attributes, stating that he fits the false nine role "perfectly." This assessment was validated during a 2-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Brentford, where Cherki was deployed in that exact position and rewarded the manager’s faith with a goal and a dominant performance. Cherki’s flair and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations could provide the spark City needs if they are forced to break down a resolute AEK defense without the physical gravity of Haaland.
As the team prepares for their European commitments, the focus remains on the balance between maintaining their flawless domestic momentum and navigating the rigors of a congested calendar. The absence of Haaland would represent more than just the loss of a goalscorer; it would challenge the identity of a team that has become increasingly accustomed to his clinical finishing. For Maresca, the situation serves as an early test of his squad management and his ability to adapt his tactical philosophy under pressure.
The upcoming hours will be critical as the medical team continues to monitor Haaland’s condition. If the Norwegian is deemed unfit to start, the responsibility will fall upon the likes of Foden, Ndiaye, or Cherki to ensure that City’s attacking output does not falter. While the loss of a natural replacement like Mubama and the injury to Semenyo have narrowed the manager’s options, the depth of creative talent within the squad remains substantial. Whether through a traditional striker or a sophisticated false-nine system, Manchester City must find a way to maintain their clinical edge as they look to extend their winning streak on the European stage.
The eyes of the footballing world will be on the team sheet at the AEK Arena, looking to see if the world’s most feared striker leads the line or if City must once again prove they can thrive through collective ingenuity rather than individual brilliance. For now, the "number nine is Erling," but the shadows of Foden and Cherki loom large as the Italian manager prepares for every eventuality in what is proving to be a season of both record-breaking highs and unforeseen tactical challenges.
