Manchester City will be without Jeremy Doku when they begin their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth, after the Belgian winger suffered an injury in the Community Shield.
Doku started City’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday but was substituted at half-time after picking up the problem. Jack Grealish replaced him during the match, leaving manager Enzo Maresca with a decision to make over his attacking lineup.
Doku injury forces Man City reshuffle
The Doku injury means Manchester City are expected to change their attacking setup for the opening league fixture.
Erling Haaland is set to continue as the central striker, while Phil Foden could move from the No 10 position to the right wing.
That would allow Antoine Semenyo to operate on the left, with Rayan Cherki potentially moving into the attacking midfield role behind Haaland.
Doku’s absence removes one of City’s most direct attacking options as they prepare for their first Premier League match of the season.
Several Man City players set to miss game
City are also expected to be without several other players because of transfer developments.
Savinho and Omar Marmoush are not expected to feature as they close in on moves to Tottenham. Rodri will also be unavailable following confirmation of his transfer to Barcelona on Tuesday.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to remain in goal despite an unconvincing performance against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
The defensive line is likely to remain unchanged, with Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly expected to start.
Grealish future remains uncertain
Grealish could potentially benefit from Doku’s absence after impressing when he replaced the Belgian during the Community Shield.
However, his involvement against Bournemouth remains uncertain because his future at Manchester City is still unresolved.
Mateo Kovacic is expected to retain his place after producing a stronger display against Arsenal, while Elliot Anderson will be hoping to improve after a subdued debut.
City will therefore begin their Premier League campaign with several selection questions to resolve, particularly in attack, where the Doku injury has forced another adjustment.
For official Manchester City updates, visit Manchester City’s official website.
Suggested internal links: Add links to your existing articles about Manchester City, Jeremy Doku’s injury, and Manchester City’s Premier League fixtures. Recommended anchor texts include “Manchester City latest news”, “Jeremy Doku injury update” and “Manchester City Premier League fixtures”.
Suggested image: Jeremy Doku playing for Manchester City.
Image alt text: “Doku injury leaves Manchester City without winger against Bournemouth”
