Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the expected absence on Monday, explaining that the initial assessment had left the club fearing a more serious problem.
“Initially, we feared the injury was more serious,” Maresca said. “But after yesterday’s scan, we feel much better because the injury is not as extensive as we had expected.”
The City manager said the Ghana international would need time to recover properly, with a return in December the current expectation.
“It could be eight weeks. Right now, the most important thing is that he recovers properly. When he comes back in December, it will be like having a completely new player,” Maresca added.
He also clarified the nature of the problem, describing it as an injury to the collateral ligament on the side of the knee rather than a muscular issue.
Semenyo sustained the injury during Saturday’s win over Ipswich, having come on as a substitute. The result maintained City’s perfect start to their Premier League campaign, but the victory came at a cost, with several players experiencing fitness problems.
The 26-year-old’s absence removes an important attacking option for Maresca during a busy period of domestic and European fixtures. City are scheduled to face AEK Athens in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Semenyo unavailable for the match.
There was more encouraging news concerning Erling Haaland, who also appeared to be struggling physically after the Ipswich game. Maresca said the striker could still be available against AEK, depending on how he responded in training.
Manchester City have made an impressive start under Maresca, winning their first seven league matches and moving to the top of the table. Keeping that momentum while managing injuries will now become a significant challenge.
Although Semenyo is expected to miss several weeks, the scan results have at least eased fears that his injury could have ruled him out for longer. City will now focus on his rehabilitation, with December the target for his return.