This Jeremy Doku injury return update is current as of late September 2026. The Belgian winger is closing in on a first-team comeback after five matches out with a knock picked up during the Community Shield, and Manchester City fans are watching closely for signs he is ready to feature again.
Latest Jeremy Doku injury return status for September 2026
Doku has now missed five straight games since the setback in the Community Shield. City have managed without him, but his pace and directness on the left flank have been missed against sides who sit deep.
The latest word from the club is encouraging. Doku is training and pushing to force his way back into contention, and the tone from the camp has shifted from caution to genuine optimism. Our original report on Doku’s fitness first flagged this recovery timeline earlier in September.
Maresca remains cautious on winger’s return against Norwich
Enzo Maresca stopped short of confirming Doku will be involved when Manchester City host Norwich City in the Carabao Cup. Asked directly about the winger’s fitness, the head coach kept his answer measured rather than definitive.
“He is very close,” Maresca said, a line that suggests real progress without promising a start. It is the clearest official update supporters have had on Doku’s recovery, even if it leaves the exact return date open. Details on the squad picked for that tie are covered in our Norwich City match coverage.
Maresca’s caution comes after a big weekend for his side. City won 1-0 away at Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, a result that will have lifted the mood around the club regardless of Doku’s absence.
When will Jeremy Doku return for Manchester City?
There is still no confirmed date for Jeremy Doku’s injury return. Maresca’s “very close” comment points to him being available soon, possibly as early as the Norwich tie, but the manager has not guaranteed a start or even a place in the matchday squad.
Until Maresca gives a firmer timeline, supporters should treat Doku’s return as imminent rather than certain. The next fixture against Norwich looks like the earliest realistic opportunity, based on the club’s own update, but nothing beyond that has been confirmed.
What happens next for Manchester City’s attack
Doku’s potential return matters more given developments elsewhere in the squad. Phil Foden was sent off during the win at Old Trafford and now faces a three-match ban that rules him out against Norwich City, Sunderland and Liverpool.
That suspension leaves Maresca short of attacking options across three important fixtures, which increases the pressure on Doku to be fit and available soon. City’s trip to face Sunderland is one of the games directly affected, with our team previewing the Sunderland fixture in full.
Supporters can track how these selection issues play out across the coming weeks via the full schedule of City fixtures, with Doku’s fitness and Foden’s ban both likely to shape team selection well into October.
