Semenyo pulls out of Ghana squad with swollen leg

Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo will miss Ghana's AFCON qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Gambia after withdrawing through injury.

Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo has withdrawn from Ghana's squad for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Gambia.

The decision follows a standout weekend performance in which Semenyo scored twice in City's 5-3 Premier League win over Sunderland and was named Man of the Match. He described himself afterward as battered and bruised.

Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku, speaking on Asempa FM in comments relayed by the Manchester Evening News, said Semenyo told the national team coach he was willing to travel for a medical re-examination but that his leg was swollen and needed treatment. Okraku said the federation chose to let the player continue his recovery so he could be available for City and for Ghana in the next international window rather than fly him out for an MRI only to send him home.

No timetable has been given for Semenyo's return. The winger had played every minute of City's Premier League season to date and went the full 90 in the Community Shield, with his only rest coming in the 5-0 Carabao Cup win over Norwich.

City head coach Enzo Maresca praised Semenyo's form earlier this month, noting his assists on opening goals against Crystal Palace and Coventry and his work both on and off the ball amid the absence of Jeremy Doku.

City's next fixture is a Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday, October 11. It is unclear whether Semenyo will be fit for that match.