Home » Football » Premier League » Manchester City F.C.

How can Man City survive without Erling Haaland? These are Enzo Maresca’s four options – from an ideal replica and two false-nine candidates to the academy wild card

JACK GAUGHAN: Erling Haaland is usually striking fear into opponents but it was the turn of Manchester City's supporters to experience what that feels like at around 5pm on Saturday.

By JACK GAUGHAN · Daily Mail

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 4:07 PM

Key Things to Know

Jack Gaughan evaluates Manchester City's alternatives in attack following an injury scare for Erling Haaland.
Haaland will be assessed before Tuesday's Champions League clash after suffering an ankle knock against Ipswich Town.
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo faces two months out after suffering a knee injury on Saturday.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Jack Gaughan analyzes how Manchester City could cope without Erling Haaland following the striker's knock in Saturday's 3-2 win against Ipswich Town. While manager Enzo Maresca downplayed the severity of Haaland's ankle issue ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match against AEK Athens, potential replacement Antoine Semenyo is now sidelined for two months with a knee injury.

Gaughan highlights several tactical alternatives for Maresca, including utilizing Phil Foden or Rayan Cherki as false nines. Other mentioned options include deploying £65 million summer signing Iliman Ndiaye centrally or giving opportunities to 17-year-old academy prospect Floyd Samba, who scored twice against Norwich City.

Read the full article on Daily Mail