Manchester City have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of the new Premier League season, with winger Jeremy Doku ruled out of Sunday's opening match against Bournemouth. The Belgian sustained the problem during the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal at the Principality Stadium, where he played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by Jack Grealish at half-time.
Calf issue and fitness concerns
According to Nieuwsblad, Doku has suffered a calf issue, and while the exact duration of his absence is unclear, he is reportedly set to be out of action for several weeks. The report adds that Doku's injury appears to be linked to previous fitness problems, with growing concern within the club that this is not an isolated incident. City reportedly feel it is a consequence of his World Cup campaign with Belgium, where he featured in five of their six matches.
Impact on new manager Enzo Maresca
The timing is unfortunate for Enzo Maresca, who is preparing for his first Premier League game in charge of City after replacing Pep Guardiola in the summer. Doku made 47 appearances for City last season, scoring eight goals and assisting 14 times, helping them win the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
City face Bournemouth in their Premier League curtain-raiser on Sunday, looking to bounce back from the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, with Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard scoring for Mikel Arteta's side in Cardiff.
Maresca's post-match reaction
Speaking after the match, Maresca lamented his side's start after Calafiori scored within the first 30 seconds. "I think a big part of the game is in the first goal we conceded unfortunately after 30 seconds," he said. "The reaction was good. Before they scored the second goal, we had three, four chances to score and to draw the game. Unfortunately we missed the chance, and then with the second goal, it became more difficult. In general I'm always concerned, even when we win."
"This is just the beginning and we have many things we need to do better, but I think it was a good reaction after the first we conceded. Now try to reset, analyse, and think from Tuesday about the next game [against Bournemouth]."
