Enzo Maresca has insisted Manchester City have options to cover Erling Haaland at centre-forward this season.
Haaland is the only recognised number nine in the Manchester City squad this season, after Omar Marmoush departed for Tottenham Hotspur on loan.
The lack of forward depth has raised concerns ahead of a busy season, with City’s Champions League beginning against FC Porto tomorrow night. As the schedule begins to get busier, Maresca has insisted City have options to cover Haaland when he needs time to recover.
The Italian said Antoine Semenyo and Phil Foden are both viable options to lead the line, should City be without their talisman.
“At the moment, he’s [Haaland] played every minute apart from the Community Shield,” said Maresca.
“We need to protect Erling because the season is very long and he’s going to have games where he needs to recover.
“Depends on the game and gameplan. Antoine [Semenyo] can play nine. Phil [Foden] has played fake nine. It depends on the game.”
Read – The Premier League clubs with the biggest net spend in summer 2026
See Also – The biggest transfer fees ever paid by Premier League clubs
