Manchester City have an injury concern over Antoine Semenyo ahead of their Premier League meeting with Liverpool, after the forward withdrew from Ghana’s squad with a swollen leg.

The setback interrupts a productive spell for the 26-year-old, who scored twice in City’s 5-3 victory over Sunderland before the international break. It also introduces uncertainty into Enzo Maresca’s preparations for the trip to Anfield on 11 October.

There is, however, an important distinction between missing international matches and being ruled out of the Liverpool game. The update explains why Semenyo will remain focused on treatment, but provides no confirmed recovery timetable.

Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku outlined the situation during an interview with Asempa FM.

Okraku said Semenyo had spoken with the national team coach and offered to travel for further assessment if required. The central concern was whether that journey would serve any useful purpose while the player needed treatment.

“Or have Antoine fly down to Ghana to undergo an MRI and then ask him to go back because he can’t play. His leg is swollen.”

The decision therefore appears to have been guided by recovery rather than a disagreement over the player’s willingness to represent his country.

Ghana’s programme includes Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Gambia, followed by a friendly against Morocco. Semenyo’s withdrawal removes an important attacking option, but Okraku’s comments indicate that his immediate fitness needs took priority.