Sports · Football · 3 hrs ago
Haaland left out of Manchester City's starting lineup against AEK
Manchester City left Erling Haaland out of its starting lineup against AEK Athens in the Champions League.
The Norway striker had scored twice in City's weekend win over Ipswich Town, but appeared to limp late in the match after a challenge.
A physical issue raised doubts about his fitness, and manager Enzo Maresca said Haaland would be assessed before the game.
Seventeen-year-old Floyd Samba was chosen to lead City's attack, after scoring twice on his senior debut in a cup match.
City had won its first seven Premier League games but was seeking a response after losing to Paris Saint-Germain in Europe.
Haaland could still come on, depending on his fitness and Maresca's decision; the sources do not say whether he played.
Erling Haaland was left out of Manchester City’s starting lineup against AEK Athens in the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
He had picked up a physical issue during City’s 3-2 Premier League win over Ipswich Town.
City manager Enzo Maresca had said Haaland could be available, but that his condition would be assessed.
World Soccer Talk reported that 17-year-old Floyd Samba was selected to lead City’s attack.
Haaland’s omission from the starting lineup did not rule out a possible appearance as a substitute.
- Who
- Erling Haaland was left out of Manchester City’s starting lineup.
- What
- City faced AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League.
- When
- 20 October 2026.
- Where
- Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
- Why
- Haaland had a physical issue after City’s match against Ipswich Town, and City chose not to risk him from the start.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Haaland scored twice in City’s 3-2 Premier League win over Ipswich Town and appeared to be limping late in the match.
Maresca said Haaland would be assessed after training; BBC Sport reported that Haaland was not present at the session open to the media.
Haaland was left out of City’s starting lineup against AEK Athens.
- Match
- Manchester City vs AEK Athens
- Competition
- 2026-27 UEFA Champions League
- Venue
- Etihad Stadium
- Haaland’s last match
- City’s 3-2 Premier League win over Ipswich Town
- Reported replacement
- 17-year-old Floyd Samba
3 sources
What people are saying
He can be available, we will see, we have a session now. We have some doubts after Sunday’s game. He was quite good yesterday, better. So we will see today.
Phil can be one of the solutions,