Jeremy Doku could return for City against Sunderland on Sunday after Enzo Maresca delivered an encouraging update on the winger’s fitness.
Doku has been out since suffering a calf problem during the Community Shield defeat against Arsenal and has missed City’s opening four Premier League matches.
He was also absent from Thursday night’s 5-0 Carabao Cup victory over Norwich, but Maresca believes the Belgian is now close to being available.
Doku could return against Sunderland
“He can probably be available for the Sunderland game,” said Maresca.
Doku’s potential return would give Man City another attacking option for Sunday’s game, although Phil Foden remains suspended following his red card in the Manchester derby.
Maresca made 10 changes against Norwich on Thursday, with several senior players rested following the Champions League victory over Porto and Sunday’s win at Manchester United.
“It was very important,” said Maresca. “We gave rest to the ones that played back-to-back 90 minutes against Porto and Manchester United.
“It was important for them to give them rest and hopefully they can be full of energy for Sunday’s game as it will be a strong game.”
Maresca is certainly not expecting a comfortable afternoon against Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland.
The City boss watched their 2-0 defeat against Arsenal live before going back over the game again this week.
“You can see how strong they are,” he said. “I think they didn’t deserve to lose that game.
“They are very strong, very well coached by their manager and they have already had time together, so you can see what they want to do on and off the ball.
“My feeling, after watching them, is that Sunday will be the toughest game since the start of the season.”
City go into Sunday’s game having won all six of their competitive matches this season, while Sunderland have taken six points from their opening four Premier League games.
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