Antoine Semenyo will play no part in Manchester City’s crucial Champions League clash against Galatasaray on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, after being ruled ineligible under UEFA registration rules.
The Ghana forward, who joined City during the January transfer window, was not included in the club’s squad for the league phase of the competition.
Under UEFA regulations, players signed in January cannot feature until after the league phase concludes, with clubs only permitted to register a maximum of three new additions before the knockout rounds. The deadline for those changes falls on February 5, 2026.
It means that despite Semenyo’s electric start in sky blue, four direct goal involvements in his first four appearances, he cannot extend that impact onto the European stage just yet.
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His absence is a significant blow for Pep Guardiola, particularly with City pushing to secure a place among the top eight and guarantee automatic qualification to the Round of 16.
Semenyo’s pace, direct running and eye for goal have already added a new attacking dimension to City’s forward line. However, European nights must wait.
The same restriction also sidelines fellow January arrival Marc Guehi, who is similarly unavailable for the decisive encounter.
Both players are expected to be registered if City progress beyond the league phase, but for now, Guardiola must navigate Wednesday’s high-stakes test without two of his newest reinforcements.
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