Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo’s absence has further complicated Manchester City’s preparations ahead of their Champions League trip to face Bodo/Glimt, with Pep Guardiola set to field a severely depleted squad in what has become a pivotal fixture in the league phase.
Semenyo, who has featured regularly in City’s attacking rotation this season, has been left out of the travelling squad, reducing Guardiola’s forward options at a time when results and momentum have been hard to come by.
City arrive in Norway under pressure, having failed to win a Premier League match in 2026. Three consecutive draws to start the year were followed by a damaging 2–0 defeat to Manchester United, raising questions about depth and resilience within the squad.
However, their European form offers some encouragement. Guardiola’s side remain unbeaten away from home in the Champions League this season and know victory would significantly strengthen their chances of automatic qualification for the last 16.
Semenyo’s omission is part of a wider injury and suspension crisis that has stripped City of several first-team regulars. In defence, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones and Ruben Dias are all unavailable, leaving Guardiola short of experienced options at the back.
The midfield is similarly weakened, with Mateo Kovacic sidelined, Nico Gonzalez unavailable, Matheus Nunes ruled out through illness and Bernardo Silva suspended. Kalvin Phillips has also been excluded from the squad.
Up front, City’s problems are no less severe. Alongside Semenyo, Oscar Bobb and Savinho are injured, while Omar Marmoush remains absent due to his involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The cumulative effect is a bare-bones squad facing a Bodo/Glimt side enjoying their first-ever appearance in the Champions League league phase.
With City currently holding four wins, one draw and one defeat from six matches, three points are crucial.
Failure to win would leave Guardiola’s men needing a result against Galatasaray in their final fixture to secure progression.
