Manchester City forward will miss K-League All Stars friendly with injury, confirms Enzo Maresca | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has confirmed Ryan McAidoo will miss Manchester City’s pre-season friendly against K-League All Stars in Seoul due to a minor shoulder injury.

The 18-year-old had impressed in the 1-1 draw against Inter Milan in Hong Kong last weekend, with his five-star cameo prompting Maresca to send a clear message to director of football Hugo Viana over the teenager’s future at the club.

The winger’s absence is a minor setback for City’s pre-season build-up, though Maresca was at pains to play down any concerns over the long-term nature of the issue.

Maresca: “Nothing important” as McAidoo sits out Seoul friendly

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s fixture against K-League All Stars in Seoul, Maresca confirmed the teenager would not be available for selection.

“In the last game, Ryan McAidoo was quite good,” said Maresca. “Unfortunately, McAidoo will be out for tomorrow’s game because he had a small problem in his shoulder, but nothing important.”

The assurance that the injury is minor will be welcomed by supporters who had been excited by McAidoo’s showing against Inter, with the 18-year-old emerging as one of the early highlights of City’s east Asia pre-season tour.

McAidoo is expected to return to full training shortly and feature again before the squad departs for the final leg of their pre-season schedule.

What is the wider context of McAidoo’s injury?

With McAidoo unavailable, Savinho is likely to carry additional responsibility in the wide areas against the K-League All Stars – a timely opportunity for the Brazilian, whose future at the Etihad Stadium remains the subject of significant speculation as Tottenham continue their pursuit of his signature.

Antoine Semenyo is also expected to feature prominently, with the Ghana international having caught the eye in Hong Kong and spoken enthusiastically about the tactical evolution he is working on under Maresca ahead of the new campaign.

Maresca has spoken openly about his desire to bring in a new wide player before the window closes, and City’s attacking options in Seoul will give him a clearer sense of the gaps that still need addressing before the Premier League season begins on 23 August.

McAidoo’s expected return before the tour concludes means the injury should not affect his momentum significantly – and the broader picture from Maresca’s camp remains one of quiet confidence heading into what will be a pivotal final fortnight of pre-season preparation.