Can Antoine Semenyo play for Man City in Champions League? UEFA rules explained

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Manchester City play their seventh Champions League game of the season on Tuesday, when they take on Bodo/Glimt away from home

Manchester City signed Antoine Semenyo on January 9(Image: Getty Images)

Everything you need to know about whether Antoine Semenyo will play for Manchester City on Tuesday

1. Registration Red Light: Antoine Semenyo is ineligible to feature in Tuesday evening's clash against Bodo/Glimt as he was not registered in Manchester City's Champions League squad list back in September. UEFA rules dictate that new January signings cannot be added to the roster until the knockout stages begin in February.
2. Waiting Game: The £62.5million man will have to watch from the sidelines as his team-mates navigate the league phase's last two fixtures. He is expected to be registered for the next round once the winter transfer window officially shuts and clubs submit their updated squads.
3. Recent Arrival: The Ghanaian international joined Pep Guardiola’s side from Bournemouth less than two weeks ago on a five-and-a-half-year deal. He has hit the ground running in domestic competitions, scoring in his first two appearances for the club.
4. Cup Heroics: Unlike in Europe, Semenyo was cleared to play in the FA Cup and made an immediate impact by scoring in the 10-1 demolition of Exeter City. He was also available for the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Newcastle despite playing in the competition for Bournemouth this season.
5. Rule Change Relief: A recent EFL rule change allows players to represent two different clubs in the League Cup in one season, handing Guardiola a major boost. These domestic "cup-tied" relaxations do not apply to the current phase of UEFA’s premier competition.
6. City Selection: With Semenyo out, Guardiola is likely to lean on Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki or Phil Foden to provide the spark from the wide areas. City are looking to bounce back quickly after a shock 2-0 defeat in the Manchester Derby last Saturday.
7. Squad Logistics: City named a 23-man "List A" squad in September which included summer signings like Gianluigi Donnarumma and Tijjani Reijnders. There isn't a vacant slot for Semenyo until the mandatory squad update window opens before the round of 16.
8. Bodo/Glimt Threat: The Norwegian side will be hoping to capitalise on Semenyo’s absence as they host City at the Aspmyra Stadion. City may need to rely on their established European stars to secure the vital three points in Norway, as they currently sit fourth in the group phase table.