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Manchester City received a positive injury update on Jeremy Doku. The Belgian winger picked up a calf injury during the team’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Galatasaray. He left the field after 37 minutes. This setback occurred in his first start since a previous knee issue.
Injury Details Emerge
Pep Guardiola’s assistant, Pep Lijnders, addressed the media on Friday. Guardiola missed the press conference due to a personal matter. Lijnders confirmed that Doku sustained a calf problem similar to one he suffered earlier. The previous injury affected the lateral side and required 18 days for recovery. This time, the issue centered in the muscle.
Optimistic Recovery Timeline
Lijnders praised Doku’s performance against Galatasaray. The winger delivered two assists, including a standout one to Erling Haaland. Lijnders described Doku as a robust player. He presumed the current recovery would take a little bit shorter than the prior 18 days. Therefore, Doku could return in less than 18 days. However, Lijnders noted the central location required careful management and time.
Impact on Upcoming Fixtures
Doku missed Manchester City’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur. The team prepared for that game without him. The update offered hope for his availability soon after. Potential returns aligned with fixtures against Newcastle or others in the following weeks. City managed other squad updates too. Ruben Dias planned to resume training on Monday after his absence.
Context of Doku’s Season
Doku contributed significantly when fit. He recorded three goals and 11 assists earlier in the campaign. Injuries disrupted his momentum. The previous absence sidelined him for five matches. He returned only a month before this latest problem. Lijnders expressed confidence in Doku’s resilience. The club focused on proper rest to support his comeback.
This development provided encouragement for Manchester City supporters. The team navigated multiple injury concerns throughout the season. Lijnders’ comments highlighted cautious optimism around Doku’s quick progress.
