Pep Guardiola has given the clearest indication yet that City’s newest arrival, Antoine Semenyo, could make his debut sooner rather than later, with the FA Cup third-round tie against Exeter emerging as a realistic first appearance in sky blue.
Semenyo signed for Manchester City and completed his move to the Etihad Stadium this week following City’s successful negotiations with Bournemouth, bringing an end to widespread speculation about his future.
With injuries mounting and squad numbers stretched, Guardiola has little time to ease the winger into his new surroundings, and his comments suggest Semenyo will be involved immediately.
City welcome League One side Exeter to the City of Manchester Stadium in a fixture that usually allows room for rotation. However, Guardiola’s current options have been reduced significantly, making selection decisions more straightforward than usual.
“I don’t know if he will start but he will be selected for sure because we don’t have too many players,” Guardiola said at a press conference.
That statement alone underlines the urgency surrounding the current situation and why Semenyo signed for Manchester City. While Guardiola often prefers to integrate new signings gradually, circumstances appear to have forced a quicker approach.
City’s attacking department has been hit particularly hard, and the FA Cup tie may offer the perfect platform for the 26-year-old to introduce himself to his new supporters.
Injuries and absences open the door
Semenyo’s potential involvement comes at a time when Guardiola is juggling multiple setbacks. Savinho and Oscar Bobb are both sidelined through injury, while Omar Marmoush is currently away representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Those absences have limited City’s attacking depth, especially out wide, an area where Semenyo is expected to contribute.
The former Bournemouth player arrives in Manchester after an outstanding first half of the Premier League season. His return of 10 goals and three assists for the Cherries caught the attention of several top clubs, but City moved decisively to secure his signature.
His ability to influence games both as a wide forward and through the middle made him an appealing option for Guardiola, particularly given the tactical flexibility he demands from his players.
Guardiola made no attempt to hide his admiration for Semenyo’s performances on the south coast.
“Everybody knows the qualities. He played extraordinary at Bournemouth and he can play on both sides, right and left, and he can play as a striker as well, with his pace.
“Many clubs wanted him and he decided to join us, so all I can say is thanks to him.”
Semenyo signed for Manchester City at the perfect time. His pace and directness offer something slightly different to Guardiola’s existing options, and his willingness to operate across the frontline could prove invaluable during a congested period of fixtures.
While Exeter might appear a favourable opponent for a debut, Guardiola is unlikely to take unnecessary risks. The City manager has already confirmed that further rotation will be limited, partly because his defensive options are also depleted.
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John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic remain unavailable, while Rayan Ait-Nouri is also absent on international duty.
As a result, City are expected to field a relatively strong side, blending experience with necessity rather than experimentation. That could increase the likelihood of Semenyo being introduced from the bench if Guardiola opts for caution, though a starting role cannot be ruled out entirely.
Beyond individual debuts, the FA Cup tie offers City a welcome change of focus. Their Premier League title defence has lost momentum in recent weeks, with draws against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton slowing their progress.
Those results have allowed Arsenal to open a gap at the top of the table, though City’s position could have been worse.
Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Liverpool on Thursday, meaning City now trail the leaders by six points rather than eight. Still, Guardiola will be aware that his side can afford little margin for error if they are to remain in the title race.
