Erling Haaland will not start for Manchester City in their UEFA Champions League match against AEK Athens on Tuesday, October 20, instead being named on the bench. Floyd Samba will start in his place. Haaland had scored twice in City’s Premier League victory over Ipswich Town at the weekend but limped off late in the game after sustaining a foot injury. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the knock would be assessed, expressing hope it was "nothing serious" after Haaland reported feeling "OK." The Norwegian forward has enjoyed an outstanding start to the season, netting 12 goals across all competitions, with eight coming in the Premier League, following his strong showing at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Additionally, teammate Antoine Semenyo sustained a more severe knee injury in the same fixture and is anticipated to be sidelined until December.