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Manchester City FC have suffered an early setback before their 2026/27 Premier League campaign gets underway, with Jeremy Doku expected to miss the opening fixture against Bournemouth. The Belgian winger picked up a calf problem during City’s Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and was withdrawn at half-time. Reports from Belgium indicate that the injury could sideline Doku for several weeks, leaving Man City boss Enzo Maresca with an important decision to make as he prepares for his first Premier League game in charge.
Jeremy Doku Injury: What Happened To Man City Winger?
Jeremy Doku started against Arsenal but did not return for the second half, with Jack Grealish replacing him. The 24-year-old appeared to be managing discomfort before his substitution, and subsequent reports have identified a calf injury as the reason for his early departure.
Doku is expected to miss City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 23. The exact recovery timeline has not been officially disclosed, while reports suggest he could remain unavailable for several weeks.
The situation is quite frustrating for City, given Doku’s importance on the left flank. His acceleration and ability to beat defenders provide a different dimension to the attack, and losing him at the beginning of a new campaign reduces Maresca’s options.
How Will Manchester City Handle Jeremy Doku’s Absence?
Maresca now has to find an effective solution without rushing Doku back. The new manager, who replaced Pep Guardiola, has limited time to settle on his preferred attacking combination.
Antoine Semenyo could emerge as one option on the left. The Ghanaian has shown that he can operate effectively from that side, offering power and direct running. Grealish is another alternative after replacing Doku against Arsenal.
For City, the priority will be managing Doku’s recovery carefully rather than risking an early return. The club has previously monitored his fitness closely after injuries, and an official return date will depend on how the calf responds to treatment and rehabilitation.
With Doku unavailable, Maresca must now adapt quickly as the opening weeks of the season could provide an early test of City’s attacking depth.