Enzo Maresca delivers mixed Man City injury news ahead of Manchester derby
Man City manager Enzo Maresca confirms Nico O'Reilly is fit for the derby against Man Utd, while Jeremy Doku remains sidelined.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Ank kumar
Manchester City have received a timely boost ahead of their trip to Old Trafford as Nico O'Reilly has been passed fit for the Manchester derby against Manchester United. The versatile academy graduate, who has become a breakout star under Pep Guardiola, had missed the previous two matches with a back issue.
Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed during his pre-match press conference that the player has recovered well and is "100 per cent available" for the high-stakes clash this Sunday.
However, the news was less positive regarding winger Jeremy Doku. The Belgian international, who has not featured since the Community Shield loss to Arsenal, remains unavailable due to a persistent calf injury. Maresca indicated that Doku still requires a few more days of recovery before he can return to competitive action.
This weekend marks Maresca’s first Manchester derby as head coach. Despite City's recent dominance in the Premier League, they have struggled at Old Trafford, failing to secure a victory at the venue for three years.
It is very important for different reasons. We know how important a derby is, especially here. A special game. The most important thing we can do is try to be ourselves and then we see the final result. Enzo Maresca
City enter the match at the top of the league table, locked in a tight battle with Arsenal. Maresca remains focused on the primary objective, noting: "It’s my first derby and I want to win the game."