Manchester City have suffered an early injury setback ahead of their opening Premier League match of the 2026/27 season, with Enzo Maresca confirming that Jeremy Doku will not be available against Bournemouth.
[Manchester City FC]
The Belgium international picked up the problem during City's Community Shield defeat by Arsenal last weekend, playing the first half before being replaced by Jack Grealish.
For Maresca, the timing is far from ideal as he prepares for his first Premier League match as Manchester City's manager.
Doku's injury leaves City short on the wing
Doku's absence removes one of City's most dangerous one-on-one attackers from Sunday's squad.
The winger had been expected to play an important role under Maresca, particularly given the new manager's emphasis on aggressive and direct wing play.
Indeed, Doku recently explained that he was excited about working with Maresca because the manager's approach suited his game.
[Manchester City FC]
That makes his latest setback particularly frustrating.
Maresca confirms the setback
Maresca has now confirmed that Doku is not fit enough to face Bournemouth.
The injury is understood to be a calf problem, although the precise recovery timeline has not been officially established. Reports suggest the issue could keep Doku out for several weeks, but City have not confirmed a specific return date.
[Goal +1]
That uncertainty means City will have to manage the situation carefully rather than rushing their winger back.
A difficult start for Maresca
The injury comes after a disappointing beginning to Maresca's competitive reign.
City were beaten 3-0 by Arsenal in the Community Shield, leaving the new manager with plenty to address before the Premier League campaign begins.
[The Guardian]
Now he must prepare for Bournemouth without one of his key attacking options.
The situation is even more significant because City's squad is already undergoing major changes, with Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders among the midfield departures and Savinho reportedly close to joining Tottenham.
Who replaces Doku?
Maresca will have to find another solution on the left.
Jack Grealish is an obvious option after replacing Doku against Arsenal, while other attacking players could also be asked to provide width.
The absence could therefore give another City winger an opportunity to make an early impression under the new manager.
For Doku, however, the priority will simply be returning to full fitness.
Manchester City have confirmed the immediate problem: Doku will miss the Premier League opener, leaving Maresca without one of his most explosive attacking weapons.
Fan Debate
āā½ Goal: How big a loss is Doku for City's opener?
āš„ Fire: Should Grealish start in his place?
āš² Shock: Could Doku's injury disrupt Maresca's early plans?
āš Like: Can City still start strongly without him?
āš¬ Comment: Who should replace Doku against Bournemouth?
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