Manchester City’s preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League season have been disrupted by the news that Jeremy Doku will spend time on the sidelines. The Belgian international picked up the injury in the Community Shield and will miss the opening league fixture.
Doku sustained the problem during the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday. He was replaced at half-time by Jack Grealish.
The exact length of his absence is still unclear, but according to Nieuwsblad, Doku has a calf injury which could keep him out for several weeks.
The timing is difficult for new manager Enzo Maresca, who is preparing for his first competitive league game in charge at the Etihad Stadium. The issue also appears to be linked to previous fitness problems. There is growing concern at the club that this is not an isolated incident but a lingering consequence of Doku’s FIFA World Cup campaign with Belgium.
Doku’s absence comes during a period of transition and uncertainty for City. The squad has already lost Rod
