Man City drop Haaland from AEK Athens start as injury hands Samba the chance

Norwegian's fitness doubt resolved as 17-year-old leads the line in Athens

Erling Haaland has been left out of Manchester City's starting line-up for Tuesday night's Champions League trip to AEK Athens as he continues to nurse an injury picked up at the weekend.

The striker was hurt in a challenge with Ipswich Town's Jack Clarke during Saturday's 3-2 win over the Tractor Boys, a game in which Haaland scored twice after seemingly catching the substituted Clarke following a kick of the ball in injury time.

Speaking on Monday, manager Enzo Maresca had flagged a late fitness test for the Norwegian. "He can be available, we will see, we have a session now," Maresca said. "We have some doubts after Sunday's game. He was quite good yesterday, better. So we will see today."

Ultimately Haaland was not deemed ready to start, with 17-year-old Floyd Samba — son of former Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba — handed the central striking role.

Samba, who scored twice on his City debut in last month's 5-0 Carabao Cup win over Norwich, is trusted ahead of Phil Foden, who had been considered for the role after ending a 35-game goal drought against Ipswich. Foden does start, however, operating from the left flank.

Rayan Cherki starts in the supporting role behind Samba, while summer signing Allan is selected on the right. Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez return to the side having been rested at the weekend, and only Ruben Dias retains his place from the back four that faced Ipswich, with Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol coming into the team. Gianluigi Donnarumma keeps his place in goal.

Antoine Semenyo had already been confirmed as absent, the Ghanaian facing up to eight weeks on the sidelines with a leg injury.

City, who lost 4-2 to holders Paris Saint-Germain in their previous European outing, are looking to return to winning ways in the competition.